Corkscrew Orchid help!

[Vonnie]

I also posted this in my intro thread, but I guess this is the better place for it.

The tag says it's trichopilia tortilis x trichopilia coccinea. I'm having a difficult time finding more info about it.



One of the leaf edges started yellowing and the smallest pseudobulb died. I'm trying my best to keep it from withering away. One thing I'm really concerned about is that it looks like it's planted in soil and has been for a long time. I don't know if I need to repot it. Please help!

[calypsoB]

found this...
IOSPE PHOTOS

[silken]

according to OrchidWiz,,, it needs fairly low light/dappled conditions. Intermediate temperatures and it needs to be potted in an open fast draining media such as fir bark amended with some chopped sphagnum moss or similar. So pretty much typical oncidium potting medium, not regular soil.

Welcome to Orchid Board!

[Vonnie]

Thanks for the info! I made another post in the introduction thread but I'm getting conflicting answers about the amount and intensity of light.

[silken]

Baker's culture notes for Trichopilia tortilis say 1200 to 2000fc and to quote: "conditions should be rather shady with filtered, diffused light." He also says they shouldn't be exposed to bright light as their thick leaves burn easily. For Trichopilia coccinea I couldn't find anything in OrchidWiz, but did find a mention that it is a synonym for Trichopilia marginata??? That one is found in dense wet forests and can take 2000 to 3000 fc but is very prone to burning if over-exposed. That's really all I could find.

[PaphMadMan]

I would definitely repot it if there is any question about the medium being wrong or breaking down. Needs even moisture and perfect drainage - that pretty much requires frequent repotting.

Trpla. coccinea is considered a synonym for Trpla. marginata, and Trpla. tortilis x Trpla. marginata is Trpla. Evaline. Should get high humidity (85% +) and light around 2000 fc (mid-range for the 2 species) so pretty shady. Prone to leaf burn, and to me the damaged leaf here looks like it started with leaf burn. Intermediate temps but should tolerate cool or hot fairly well.

[Vonnie]

Wow, I finally started finding MUCH more info after I started searching by the Evaline name! Thank you so much for pointing that out!

[Vonnie]

Also posted in my intro thread:

Okay, so after rinsing off the soil, this is what I found:



I trimmed off the rotting, mushy roots. Here's hoping that it makes a comeback. I don't know if I should clip off those two bulbs at the end. The tips are black, but the base is still green. I'm gonna keep a close eye on them.