Growing Restrepia orchids indoors and in greenhouses
Restrepia are among the most distinctive members of the Pleurothallidinae, a group renowned for its diversity of mostly miniature orchids. Plants of this genus are generally small and compact and their flowers are instantly recognisable – the lateral sepals fuse to form the distinctive, brightly coloured synsepal. Many species flower successively throughout the year, sometimes producing several blooms from a single leaf over months, making them rewarding plants for the dedicated grower.
OVERVIEW
Approximately 70 species of Restrepia are currently recognised (Source: Kew). They are montane forest orchids from the major volcanic ranges in Central America and the high Andes in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Occurring mainly between 1,200 and 3,500 metres above sea level, a few species may grow at both lower and higher altitudes.
Within these montane forests they grow as epiphytes upon moss-covered tree trunks and branches, where moisture is available throughout the year from mist and frequent rainfall. Most species enjoy equable environmental conditions rather than experiencing alternating wet and dry seasons.
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Restrepia sanguinea
Restrepia elegans
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Restrepia purpurea ‘rayas vino tinto’
Restrepia falkenbergii
GROWING CONDITIONS
■ Indoor Care Essentials
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Bright, filtered light: approximately 800-1,500 foot candles. A hand held 30cm above the leaves at midday should cast only a faint shadow.
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East-facing windows are ideal.
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Avoid direct summer sunshine, which quickly scorches the leaves.
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Supplementary lighting during winter can help maintain growth and encourage flowering when natural light levels are poor.
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Mid-green leaves indicate ideal light levels, whereas reddish leaves indicate excessive light. Yellow leaves may due to a number of unrelated causes.
■ Temperature
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Most Restrepia thrive in cool to intermediate conditions, although many growers do well with these orchids outside these arbitrary ranges.
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Day: 16-22°C, night: 10-15°C.
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A natural drop in temperature at night of 5-8°C promotes healthy growth and flowering.
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Temperatures above 26-28°C should be avoided unless accompanied by high humidity (>80%) and air movement.
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Restrepia do not require a pronounced winter rest although their growth may slow naturally during the darker months.
■ Watering and Humidity
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Keep the compost or mounting substrate moist, but never waterlogged.
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Restrepia should not be allowed to dry out completely.
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Water thoroughly whenever the surface of the growing medium begins to feel only slightly damp.
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Use rainwater, reverse osmosis (RO) or distilled water. Occasional tap water is acceptable if it is not excessively hard. Never use artificially softened water.
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Maintain humidity above 70% and good air movement to minimise fungal problems.
■ Fertilising
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Feed little and often using a balanced fertiliser at approximately one-quarter recommended strength during active growth. Any good fertiliser may be used, it does not have to be a specific orchid fertiliser.
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Flush the pot regularly with clean water to prevent mineral build-up.
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Fertiliser should be reduced during winter when growth naturally slows.
■ Potting and Repotting
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They are tolerant of a variety of growing media, i.e. smaller-grade orchid bark, sphagnum moss, or a mixture of the two, with or without perlite added to the potting mix.
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Restrepia grow well mounted on cork or tree fern plaques if high humidity and frequent watering can be maintained.
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Ensure good drainage and even moisture around the roots.
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Repot every 1-2 years, or when the growing medium begins to decompose.
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The ideal times to repot are either in spring when fresh growth begins or in autumn when cooler weather may often stimulate a surge in growth. At these times a plant is more able to re-establish quickly.
SUMMARY
Restrepia are among the most rewarding miniature orchids, combining compact plants with unusual flowers. Their cloud forest origins mean they appreciate cool temperatures, high humidity, gentle air movement and consistently moist roots.
Whether grown on a windowsill, in a cool greenhouse or in a terrarium, Restrepia are easy to grow once their basic needs are understood. In meeting those requirements, growers can expect healthy plants that reward them with a succession of blooms throughout much of the year.