Coryanthes  (They are  Epiphytes)

Coryanthes Picturata is native to Mexico and Central America  and it is   The Subtribe Stanhopeinae .And another one of the 'bucket' orchids which produces pendulous spikes of flowers hanging over the sides of its pot or basket.

Light & Water

LIGHT: 1800-2500 fc.WATER: Rainfall is heavy most of the year with a 2-3 month somewhat drier period in late winter and early spring. Cultivated plants should be kept evenly moist while actively growing

Temperature & Humidity

TEMPERATURE: Conditions vary only slightly throughout the year. Days average 80-84F (27-29C), nights average 64-68F (18-20C), and the diurnal range is 12-17F (7-9C).HUMIDITY: Near 80% year-round.

FERTILIZER: 1/4-1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly. A high-nitrogen fertilizer is beneficial from spring to midsummer, but a fertilizer high in phosphates should be used in late summer and autumn.

REST PERIOD: Growing conditions should be maintained year-round. Water may be reduced somewhat in winter, especially for plants grown in the dark, short-day conditions common in temperate latitudes. However, they should not be allowed to dry out completely. Fertilizer should be reduced until water is increased in spring.

GROWING MEDIA: As with Stanhopea and Gongora species, hanging baskets accommodates the pendent flower spike that emerges from the base of the plant. A very acid, water-retaining medium is recommended. In his 1978 Orchid Digest article, George Kennedy reported that Dr. Fowlie found that Coryanthes plants grew extremely well when potted in Palco wool (shredded redwood bark) and kept exceedingly wet. The ants' nests on which the plants grow in nature contains a large amount of formic acid and have a pH of about 3. Redwood bark, also with a pH of about 3, is the only commonly available potting medium with a pH low enough to meet this requirement.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on cultivation reports.

Plant and Flower Information:

PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A relatively large sympodial epiphyte that grows in dense clumps. Plants are usually about 18 in. (45 cm) tall but may be as tall as 28 in. (70 cm).

PSEUDOBULB: 3-6 in. (7-15 cm) tall. The narrowly oblong pseudobulbs are strongly ribbed.

LEAVES: 2 grow from the top of each pseudobulb. They are narrowly elliptic, 14-22 in. (35-55 cm) long, including the slender grooved petiole, 0.75-2.4 in. (2-6 cm) wide, and taper to a sharply pointed top.
They are rigidly leathery with 3-5 prominent veins.

INFLORESCENCE: 12-24 in. (30-60 cm) long including the terminal raceme.
The inflorescence is sharply pendulous and emerges through the root ball from the base of the most recent pseudobulb.

HYBRIDIZING NOTES: N/A.

REFERENCES:

Ames, O. and D. S. Correll. (1952-1965) 1985. Orchids of Guatemala and
Belize. Dover Publications, New York.
Dunsterville, G., and L. Garay. 1965. Venezuelan orchids illustrated, vol.
3. Orchid Herbarium of Oakes Ames, Botanical Museum, Harvard University,
Cambridge, Mass.
Foldats, E. 1969-1970. Flora of Venezuela --Orchidaceae, vol. 15, parts 1-6. Instituto Botanico, Direcdeion de recursos Naturales Renovables. Ministerio De Agricultura Y Cria. Caracas.
Hawkes, A. [1965] 1987. Encyclopaedia of cultivated orchids. Faber and Faber, London.
Kennedy, George C. 1978. Some members of the genus Coryanthes Hook. Orchid
Digest 42(1):31.
Pridgeon, A. ed. 1992. The illistrated encyclopedia of orchids. Timber
Press, Portland, OR.

This culture sheet was provided by Charles and Margaret Baker.
Please visit their web site    to find out about their

  Orchid Species Culture books,

Tolumnia.(They are  Epiphytes)

 Light & Water

 Most Tolumnia and their hybrids prefer filtered, subdued light (from 1000 to 1500 ft. candles). The Oncidiums prefer bright light.The leaves should be bright green as opposed to dark green or reddish green. Reddish green indicates too much light; dark green indicates not enough light.

 Tolumnia should become moderately dry between waterings. Generally, they require more water while the new shoot is growing and less once the bulb has formed. Feed "Weekly Weakly" (at 1/4 strength once a week). Take care to keep water out of the new growth at the base of the plant. Never allow the bottom of the pot to stand in water. Never use artificially softened water.

Temperature & Humidity

 Most Tolumnia and their hybrids enjoy intermediate temperature ranges:75-85  F,(24-30 C). day & 60-65  F(16-18 C). at night

 Tolumnia enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 40-50% humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity is between 55 and 75%, with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather.

Potting & Feeding

 Repot Tolumnia at least every two years. As a general rule, repot them when the new shoot is two to three inches tall or when new roots appear. All the old mix should be removed from the roots and any dead roots should be removed. If dividing, keep the divisions in clumps of three to five mature bulbs.  Do not repot Tolumnia unless the new growth has come out of the pots or the medium has decomposed. Remove individual flowers as they fade. If lower leaves turn yellow,they can be removed without damaging the plants.

Medium to fine fir bark is preferred. The base of the new growth should be potted about 1/2" (no deeper) into the fresh bark. Keep mix barely damp until you see the new roots penetrating the bark, then resume normal watering.

 High-nitrogen fertilizers can be used year round. Feed "Weekly Weakly" (at 1/4 strength once a week).