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WSBEorchids

365 days of orchids – day 637 – Trichopilia turialbae

October is a very diverse time of the year for our flowering orchids and it is always a treat when this tichopilia unfurls its large flowers. This is a warm growing species from Central America found from Nicaragua to Panama and the nearby regions of Colombia.

The short lived but very attractive and fragrant flowers are produced from the base of newly matured bulbs and in common with most Trichopilia species the lip is very large compared to the other petals and sepals. When flowering well we have had more than ten flowers out at once which gives a great show.

We find the species challenging to grow without black spotting on the leaves and for us the spotting seems to result from heat stress caused to the leaves either by too much direct sun or by the plant drying our on hot days. As a result we aim to grow the plant shaded and damp at all times and this results in the glossy dark green bulbs and leaves seen here.

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Discussion

  1. Niels Berens says:

    Hello,

    How much calcium do you gif the Trichopilia? All of the Trichopilia?
    I have the same leave marks.

    • Simon Pugh-Jones says:

      Hi Neils – yes I have found that everyone has trouble with trichopilea leaves and I am convinced it is calcium deficiency – I add calmag to my watering every time at a low level – about two table spoons to 500 litres along with the normal feed (at 400 microseimens)

    • Niels Berens says:

      Thank you for the answer. I have given the orchids some calcium and will do that by every watering. Now we have to watch and see.
      The Trichopilia suavis has no markings also the marginata.