It's a intermediate to warm growing orchid native to Mexico and Costa Rica. Very fragrant species with star shape petals and sepals that are green at the margins marked with chocolate. White Cattleya-like tubular lip with an orange spotted center. Can bloom fall and spring. These are very nice flowering size plants.
Light:
Trichopilia tortilis needs a light level of 12000-20000 lux. The surroundings should be rather shady with filtered, diffused light. The plant should not be exposed to extremely sharp light, because its quite thick leaves are easily burned. Strong air movement should be ensured all the time.
Temperature:
It is a plant with moderate thermal requirements. The average summer temperature is 24 ° C, the night 15 ° C, and the amplitude of daily fluctuations is 9 ° C. The average temperature of the winter day is 24-27 ° C, and at nights, which are slightly cooler than in the summer, the average is 12-14 ° C, which causes an increase in the daily amplitude to 10-14 ° C.
Humidity:
The Twisted Trichopilia needs the humidity of about 85-90% for most of the year, at the end of winter and early spring, falling to around 70%.
Substrate, growing media:
Trichopilia tortilis grow well attached to pieces of tree ferns or cork, with high humidity ensured and daily watering during the summer. During the dry and hot periods it may be necessary to water several times a day.
They can also grow in pots with a loose substrate, quickly draining excess water, which, however, contains substances that retain a certain amount, such as cut sphagnum moss or perlite. Wood charcoal is also often added to ensure the air permeability of the substrate and protection against acidification.
Repotting:
The plants should be replanted before the substrate begins to be less permeable. The most appropriate time of the year for repotting is the end of winter preceding flowering, as flowers and new growths appear almost at the same time. Therefore, the plants should be repotted when new roots start growing or only a little earlier. This allows the plants to acclimatize in a relatively short time and provides them with the least stress. This is very important, because the plants must acclimate to the additional stress caused by the approaching hot, dry, summer weather.
Watering:
Precipitation is moderate to heavy for most of the year. The cultivated plants should often be watered during active growth, but excellent drainage should be ensured, and the roots must dry a little between waterings. The substrate around the roots can never be desiccated or soggy.
Fertilizer:
The plants should be fertilized every week 1/4-1/2 of the recommended dose of fertilizer for orchids. A fertilizer with a high nitrogen content is beneficial from spring to mid-summer, and a fertilizer richer in phosphorus should be used in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
In winter, Trichopilia tortilis may need less water when they do not grow actively, especially when grown at low light levels during short days typical of average latitudes, but they can never be completely dry.
