Osmoglossum help - Orchid Board

Zoi2 · #1 04-22-2009, 11:04 PM

Today I became the proud owner of a little Cuitlauzina egertonii.....what is it? Is it an Osmoglossum? How do I take care of it? Joann

Bolero · #2 04-23-2009, 06:58 AM

Yes it's an Osmoglossum but Kew has accepted it as Cuitlauzina.

It is a coolish grower I believe that likes good shading (light should not be too bright) and high humidity with high air movement.

It used to be called Osmoglossum and is a new species to me. I would try and grow it like Odontoglossum with minimums of around 6C and I wouldn't allow it to get too hot (above 30C).

Does anyone else know much about this species? It must be a rare one?

Bolero · #3 04-23-2009, 07:06 AM

Correction, this species needs heavy shade and not just a good level of shading, I would think at least 70% shade. It will grow very cool and take some warmer temps but I would be careful above 30C.

I would keep a bit moist and wouldn't let it dry out completely. Maybe use some sphagnum moss, what is it potted in now?

I think high humidity would be very important and misting in between watering would also be important. If you use sphagnum moss then I wouldn't fertilise too much.

It should flower between autumn and winter sometime.

How big is the plant?

Zoi2 · #4 04-23-2009, 09:56 PM

Thank you Bolero!!

I received this plant as an "extra" with my last orchid order. There are 6 pbulbs in a 2 inch pot of small bark mix. Two leaves are about 12 inches long and the other four are one to three inches long--if that helps with the size. I can keep the little guy in the house for the 70% shade, humidity and cooler temps, what window exposure would be best?
Joann

Bolero · #5 04-24-2009, 03:52 AM

As I live in the southern hemisphere, I will leave the window exposure up to my bretheren in the far north.

;-)