How do I care for my Prosthechea cochleata?
Prosthechea cochleata is a species that originates from South America. A unique feature of this plant is that it has tentacles on its flower. These tentacles make the plant one of kind. Once this orchid reaches maturity, it can flower throughout the year. It does not like too much heat and thrives best in temperatures between fifteen and eighteen degrees Celsius.
light
In a bright, but shaded spot, but no direct sunlight. Please screen off lightly in summer.
temperature
Take care for a moderate temperature, approx. 15-18 ºC and lots of fresh air.
water
This orchid should not be overwatered. It is sufficient to water it once every seven to nine days. Water prosthechea cochleata only once its soil is almost dry.
Fertiliser orchid
- Twice per month, feed prosthechea cochleata our special orchid fertiliser ‘Groei en bloei’. Dosage: one level teaspoon per one litre of water. In February, May, and September, sprinkle one level teaspoon of ‘Grondverbeteraar’ (soil improver) once over the potting mix. The orchid does not require fertiliser from November up to and including January. Both products are sold in our shop.
Spraying flower buds
The humidity in a home can be low during the winter and summer months. Spray the smallest buds daily to prevent them from drying out and not flowering.
soil
It is important to replant prosthechea cochleata once every three to four years in orchid potting mix. For oncidium, Pantropica has put together a well-aerated mix of bark, coco, and peat. This mix is available at our shop. Please do this if the orchid has finished flowering (preferably in springtime).
After flowering
Please do cut off the stem at the bottom if it is past flowering. In the phase preceding a new shoot, prosthechea cochleata requires less water and tolerates temperatures down to 12 degrees Celsius. The orchid will generate another stem from a new shoot. This will take approximately eight to twelve months.