Orchid of Coconut – Mascelleria Tenuifolia (Orchid di Cocco) – Blog

144A Coconut jaw It is an Epiphae orchid, originally of open forests, in regions with altitudes between 1000 and 1500 meters, in Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Costa Rica. As the name suggests, this type of orchid is known for the intense coconut aroma of its flowers. Originally from Mexico, this coconut orchid was discovered near the city of Vera Cruz, in Mexico and described by John Lindley in 1837. It is an orchid of epiphasis but also grows terrestrial. It is one of the best known jaws for the sweet aroma of its flowers, which recalls the smell of grated coconut.

Scientific name:Jaw tenuifolia
Popular names: coconut jaw, Coconut orchid
Family: Orchid
Category: flowers, orchids
Climate: Tropical
Origen: Central America, North America, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua
Height: From 0.6 to 0.9 meters
Incandescent: Widespread light, partial shadow.
Vital cycle: Perennial plants

Information about Maxilaria-Coco

It is not difficult to grow, it must be maintained in a temperate environment, in a substrate composed of pine crust, sphagno and leca musk. He loves to be in light places but without direct sun.

In winter the risks are reduced but during the rest of the year the plant must remain wet without being immersed with water.

This orchid is very similar to the jaw curtipes whose flowers are very similar, varying only in the form and dimensions of pseudobulbos, with a slight difference in the lip and with a different smell, which recalls the smell of mushrooms.

The flowers of this species are generally orange or red, tending to the tone or ferruginous tiles, even to Burgundy.

The lip is generally yellow or white, with red spots, in an interesting contrast.

As is common in the maxillary genre, their petals and sepals do not open at all, giving flower a concave shape.

Coconut orchid culture method.

Cultivation of coconut orchids is a technique that has gained popularity because coconut is a natural and sustainable substrate that maintains humidity and provides excellent ventilation for the orchid roots. Subsequently, I explain how to grow orchids in the coconut substrate:

Why use coconut as a substrate?

The coconut, derived from the coconut peel, is an excellent option for the cultivation of orchid for its characteristics:

• Good humidity retention: Coconut can retain water without being compact, allowing the roots to remain wet but without floods.
• Ventilation: Offers excellent ventilation for the roots, which is vital for the healthy growth of orchids.
• Light substrate: Coco is a light substrate, which facilitates management and prevents the substrate from being compact over time.

Necessary materials:

• Coconut substrate (can be crushed with coconut, coconut fiber or coconut chips)
• Orchidea (for example, Volenenopsis, Cattleya, etc.)
• Adequate pot (transparent preference, to observe the roots)
• Shower or spray
• Tweezers (if necessary)
• Ladle or spatula

It must be cultivated in partial shade or with filtered light, with generally higher light conditions than other epifite orchids, however without being in full sun all day, especially between 11 and 16 hours.

It also prefers substrates and environments with great humidity, greater than 50%and good ventilation.

The mixtures suitable for orchids, with a high spaniard content, usually work well. Let the substrate dry almost between irrigation. Enjoy soft temperatures at hot during the day and fresh nights. It does not tolerate the intense cold, developing well at temperatures between 11 and 30th Celsius. Reduce irrigation in winter.

Pays in spring and summer with fertilizers suitable for orchids

It is multiplied by division of the already large threads and the harvest of the meristem (embryonic tissue, undifferentiated, characterized by the active division of its elements, responsible for the production of new cells necessary for the growth of plants that are mainly found the end of the root, leaves and at the beginning of the stem).

With a lasting and fragrant flowering, you will see that it was worth acquiring this species. It is usually planted in large and shallow pots.