Rhynchostele (Lemboglossum) Aptera

Rhynchostele aptera is a beautiful and easy-to-grow orchid that is native to the rainforests of Mexico. It is a member of the family Orchidaceae and is closely related to the genus Odontoglossum.

Rhynchostele aptera is a small plant that typically grows to be about 12 inches tall. It has short, more slender leaves than Odontoglossum. The flowers are the largest of the Rhynchostele family, but somewhat smaller and less showy than Odontoglossum flowers, but they are still very beautiful. They are typically white with reddish-brown spots, and can be up to 2-3 inches in diameter.  The lip is white with a yellow callus.

Rhynchostele aptera is a relatively easy plant to grow in a cool greenhouse. It prefers shady, indirect light and moderately high humidity. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.

Natural habitat

Rhynchostele aptera is native to the oak and pine forests of Mexico. It is found in the states of Sinaloa, Durango, Jalisaco, Michoacan, Guerrerro, Mexico, Moreles, and Oaxaxa in forests at elevations of 6,500 to 9,000 feet. 

It grows as an epiphyte, which means that it attaches itself to the branches of trees. The roots of the plant absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and from the decaying leaf-litter/organic matter in the bark.

Greenhouse Growing Conditions

Rhynchostele aptera can be grown successfully in a cool greenhouse. Here are some tips:

Temperature range:  Rhynchostele aptera is a cool growing plant.  In the summer the ideal temperature range is 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit.  It can tolerate temperatures in the low-80s, but must cool off at night.  In the winter, the ideal temperature is 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, and can temporarily tolerate extremes down to the low-40s.  It does not need a winter’s rest, but most growers reduce the watering and fertilizing during the winter.

Light:  Provide shady, indirect light:  1000-1500 foot candles

Humidity:  Keep the humidity moderately high. The humidity should be between 55 and 75%.  Higher levels of humidity should be accompanied with stronger air movement.

Media:  The plant is usually planted in plastic containers using small bark.  The media should be fast-draining, so care must be taken to repot the plant when the bark begins to decompose.  Some growers will place a layer of sphagnum moss on the top layer of the media to limit evaporation and increase humidity to the roots.

The media should be kept damp, but not soggy.  Some growers recommend that one should water the media on the plant, not the leaves.

Fertilize the plant:  I use a weakly, 300ppm 13-5-15 MSU fertilizer solution (with occasional CalMag supplements) with every watering, flushing the media with clear water once per month.

Repotting: Repot the plant every two to three years in a pot that is one size larger. These plants like to be root bound, so increase the size of the plant only slightly.

Pests and diseases”  Regular monitoring is crucial to identify and combat common orchid pests such as mealybugs, scale, and mites. Scale is my most frequent pest, and I  must promptly address any infestations or diseases as they can get out of control quickly. 

Conclusions

With proper care, Rhynchostele aptera will thrive in a cool greenhouse environment and produce beautiful flowers for many years to come.

Odontoglossum naevium

Odontoglossum naevium is a beautiful and rare orchid that is native to the cloud forests of Central and South America, primarily found in countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Within its natural habitat, this orchid species thrives at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 9,000 feet (600 to 2,700 meters) above sea level. These high-altitude regions provide the ideal conditions for the growth of Odontoglossum naevium, where it experiences high humidity, cool temperatures, and frequent rainfall. The cloud forests are a threatened habitat, and Odontoglossum naevium is becoming increasingly rare in the wild. It is now listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The flowers, which bloom in the spring and summer, are medium-sized, showy, and typically white with maroon spots and a striking yellow lip. These measure approximately 2 inches in diameter, and last for several weeks.

I currently have two of these beautiful orchids, Each purchased from Ecuagenera in Ecuador. One is growing in a small bark/perlite mix (pictured above), and one growing in redwood fiber (Gorilla Wool). They are both currently blooming in my greenhouse. 

Greenhouse Growing Conditions:

Temperature: Maintain cool to intermediate temperatures, ranging from 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C) during the day. Create a nighttime temperature drop of approximately 10°F (6°C) to stimulate healthy growth and encourage flower initiation.  I had considered this to be a cool-growing orchid, like most of my Odontoglossums, but have recently found that many growers are more successful growing this slightly warmer — nearer intermediate temperatures.

Light: Provide bright, indirect light to replicate the dappled sunlight of its natural habitat. Avoid exposing the orchid to direct sunlight, as it can lead to leaf burn.  My greenhouse has 50% shade cloth in this growing area.

Humidity: Odontoglossum naevium thrives in high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 70%. I use a home-brew fogger in this area to supplement the humidity generated by my swamp cooler.

Potting Medium: Utilize a well-draining and airy potting mix. I utilize a small bark/perlite mix, which seems to be adequate.  I also have one planted in redwood fiber (Gorilla Wool).  Fiber tends to have good drainage properties, allowing water to pass through easily. But this can result in less moisture retention compared to some other growing media. As a result, orchids planted in redwood fiber-based media may require more frequent watering to ensure adequate hydration.  I have found that I need to monitor the moisture level of my redwood fiber media closely, and water them more frequently.

Watering and Fertilization: Water the orchid thoroughly with high-quality water, allowing the potting medium to slightly dry out between waterings. I use reverse-osmosis filtered water and a 13-3-15 MSU fertilizer on all my plants, fertilizing weakly at each watering (approximately 300ppm dissolved solids), occasionally supplementing with CalMag.

Air Circulation: Ensure adequate air movement within the greenhouse. Proper ventilation or the use of fans will promote consistent airflow and prevent stagnant conditions.

Pests and Diseases:

Regular monitoring is crucial to identify and combat common orchid pests such as mealybugs, scale, and mites. Scale is my most frequent pest, and I  must promptly address any infestations or diseases as they can get out of control quickly.

Conclusion:

Cultivating Odontoglossum naevium is difficult to grow for some, as the cool temperatures, especially night temperatures are challenging in many areas of the country. But it is a rewarding endeavor when these conditions are met.

Barkeria Spectablis

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Dendrobium Cuthbertsonii is in bloom

I purchased this Dendrobium Cuthbertsonii from Gold Country Orchids in 2019. It is planted in sphagnum moss in a 2″ clay pot and sits on the east side of my greenhouse where it gets morning sun and mostly shade in the afternoon.

This year, the plant has three flowers and has grown well. The flowers will stey for months.

Cattleya Summer Spot ‘Carmela’ is in bloom

I purchsed this Cattleya Summer Spot ‘Carmela‘ from Kawamoto Orchids several years ago. It was a seedling when I got it, and I put it high up in my orchid room in the warmest, sunniest spot — and it did nothing for years.

I moved it into the greenhouse last year, again putting it in the warmest sunniest spot I had, and it rewarded me with a single spike and three flowers.

Clearly, the growth of this “old” plant has been much better in the greenhouse, and this is where it will stay.

Odontoglossum Harryanum is in bloom

I purchased this Odontoglossum Harryanum from Ecuagenera in the Spring of 2020. it is planted in a bark mix in a clay pot and has two spikes, each with four flowers.

It has grown well for me on the cool side of the greenhouse.

Odontioda (Eric Young x Victoria Village)

I acquired this Odontioda (Eric Young x Victoria Village) from Bob Hamilton on my visit to his greenhouse in September of 2019.  It currently has a 24-inch branching spike with eight flowers.

This is one of my favorite plant. I like the colors, but also the frills. I had planned to breed with this plant last year, but it got bugs (scale) and did not bloom. This year, it is back.

Odontoglossum tenue is in bloom

I purchased this Odontoglossum tenue from Ecuagenera this April. It is a small plant, and I placed it with my seedlings after cleaning it up. Yesterday, I noticed that it had bloomed. Only four flowers on a short spike, but cute.

Rossioglossum schlieperianum is in bloom

I purchased this Rossioglossum schlieperianum from Ecuagenera in 2019, and it is now in bloom. It has grown slowly, but developed a spike this year which has four flowers.

This plant is found in El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama in humid, evergreen cloud forests in moderate shade on the trunks of very tall trees at elevations of above 4,000 ft.

I’m looking forward to a mature plant in this one. It appears healthy and the flowers should get larger.

Odontoglossum (Pesky Trans x Dr. Tom)

I acquired this Odontoglossum (Pesky Trans x Dr. Tom) from Bob Hamilton in my visit to his greenhouse in June of 2021. It is blooming with a 30″ branched spike with 17 flowers.

I don’t know what I will do with this one yet, but I like the maroon-over-white flowers.