Restrepia Orchids
An Introduction to Restrepia
First
described by Humbolt, Bonpland, & Kunth in 1815
A
member of Pleurothallidinae group of Orchids.
This
genus of small epiphytic or rarely lithophytic orchids
is
named in honour of Snr. José E. Restrepo, who first
investigated
the Natural History of the Andes in
Colombia.
To
date there are approximately 50 known
species
within the genus, and possibly as many variants,
as
yet unrecognised.
Distribution
ranges from Southern Mexico to Northern
Argentina,
where they can be found in the cool moist
forests
of the high Andes mountain range.
Restrepias
are ideal for the ‘cool’ greenhouse, requiring in most
instances,
an average night temperature of 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit,
combined
with approximately 50% shading. A good indication
regarding
shade, can be measured by the colour of the leaves, which
tend
to turn a reddish colour under optimum conditions.
Flowers
are normally produced one at a time from the base of the
rear
of the leaf, and can occur at virtually any time throughout the year.
Plants
can be grown in a wide choice of potting mixtures, but in all cases it is
important that the chosen mix does not dry out, as Restrepias
require
a moist root run at all times. It is just as easy to grow them on
‘mounts’
of tree fern or cork bark, as well as potted.
This
genus produces new young plants from the base of mature leaves, called keikis.
These can be removed and grown separately, once the
keiki
has established a satisfactory root system. Alternatively, it is possible to
remove a mature leaf, and by placing this in small pot
of
sphagnum moss, this will root within a few months.
There
is of course an exception to the above. Restrepia chocoensis
which
is extremely rare, does not respond to this method.
Generally,
Restrepias are an easy orchid to maintain, and within a few years, can
produce a good-sized specimen. For
those looking for a small
trouble
free orchid, I can thoroughly recommend them.
Species
information from
Icones
Pleurothallidinarum XIII
By
Carlyle A. Luer
In
collaboration with
Rodrigo
Escobar Restrepo.
Any comments or questions the please e-mail me Colin Howe
at mailto:colin@restrepia.co.uk
