Trichopilia coccinea

Trichopilia coccinea is a striking orchid species that is rarely offered. This botanical beauty attracts attention with its unique, deep red flowers and elegant growth habit. Anyone who sees it in bloom immediately understands why it is so popular in collecting circles.

Origin

Trichopilia coccinea originates from the humid cloud forests of Colombia, where it grows at higher altitudes among the mosses and ferns of the Andes. In its natural habitat, it grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks, surrounded by constant mist and cool air currents.

Characteristics

This species forms compact plants with fairly short, leathery leaves. The flowers usually appear in autumn or early winter and are distinctly pink to orange-red - an exceptional color in the genus Trichopilia. The flower lip is broadly flared and has a distinctive wavy shape, giving the blooms an elegant, almost floating appearance. A well-grown plant can bear several flowers at once on a short flowering stem.

Care

Light

Give this orchid bright, filtered light. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves, but too little light hinders flowering. A spot behind a curtain facing east or west is ideal.

Temperature

Trichopilia coccinea feels best in cool to moderately warm temperatures: between 18 and 24 °C during the day, at night it may safely drop to 12-16 °C.

Substrate

Use an airy epiphytic mixture with fine tree bark, sphagnum moss and some charcoal. This helps with good air circulation around the roots, which is essential for healthy growth.

Humidity

High humidity of 70-85% is important, especially during the growing period. Daily misting or the use of a humidifier is highly recommended.

Watering

Give regular demineralized water or clean rainwater as soon as the substrate is almost dry, but never let it dry out completely. In the cooler months, watering may be reduced somewhat without leaving the plant completely dry.

Nutrition

Feed the plant every two weeks during the active growing season (spring to fall) with a highly diluted orchid fertilizer. Little or no feeding is necessary during the dormant period in winter.

Flowering

With proper care, Trichopilia coccinea blooms once a year, usually in fall or early winter. Flowering lasts for several weeks. After flowering, the plant may be given a short rest, with a little less water and nutrition.