The Purple Guaria Morada Orchid (Guarianthe skinneri) is a captivating epiphytic species known for its distinct beauty. Growing naturally on trees, it’s a significant part of tropical flora. Its unique growth and striking appearance make it fascinating for both experienced and new gardeners. Understanding its specific needs allows for successful cultivation in a home setting.
Characteristics and Significance
The Purple Guaria Morada Orchid features thick, leathery leaves and water-storing pseudobulbs. Its vibrant purple to lavender flowers often have a white blotch on the lip and a delicate fragrance. Blooms typically appear from January to April, peaking in March, with four to five flowers per spike.
Native to Central America, this orchid thrives in humid, pre-mountainous forests at 500 to 1,500 meters elevation. It attaches to tree branches, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. It is the national flower of Costa Rica, a designation received on June 15, 1939. This status symbolizes the country’s rich natural heritage, its people, and the abundant biodiversity found within its borders. It is associated with good fortune, peace, love, and hope, and has been used in religious ceremonies and as home decorations.
Cultivation and Care
Light Requirements
The Purple Guaria Morada Orchid thrives with bright, indirect light. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch leaves, while insufficient light hinders blooming. An east-facing window often provides ideal conditions, offering gentle morning sun and indirect light throughout the day. It needs about 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light daily.
Watering Practices
Water when the potting medium is mostly dry but not completely parched. This means once or twice a week in warmer periods, and less frequently in cooler months. Proper drainage is essential, as prolonged wetness causes root rot. Use rainwater, filtered water, or settled tap water to avoid mineral buildup.
Humidity and Temperature
This orchid prefers high humidity, ideally between 60% and 80%, reflecting its tropical origins. Achieve this by placing the pot on a pebble tray (not sitting in water) or grouping plants. Optimal temperatures for healthy growth range from 15°C to 24°C (60°F to 75°F), with a slight temperature drop at night being beneficial.
Potting and Repotting
The Purple Guaria Morada requires a well-draining, airy potting medium, like bark mix or sphagnum moss. Clay or plastic pots with drainage holes promote air circulation. Repot every one to two years, or when the plant outgrows its container, the medium breaks down, or pseudobulbs grow over the pot’s edge. When repotting, gently remove old media, inspect roots for decay, and place the orchid in fresh media, keeping the crown at the same level.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Apply a balanced, water-soluble orchid-specific fertilizer at a diluted strength during the active growing season. Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during active growth, and one higher in phosphorus and potassium before and during flowering. Reduce or cease fertilization during the orchid’s dormant period.
Blooming and Propagation
Encouraging the Purple Guaria Morada Orchid to bloom involves meeting its light, temperature, and humidity requirements consistently. A noticeable drop in nighttime temperatures, typically around 10-15°F lower than daytime temperatures, can help trigger flower spike development. Adequate light is also crucial, as insufficient light often leads to a lack of blooms.
Propagation of the Purple Guaria Morada is commonly achieved through division, best done during repotting. Carefully separate pseudobulbs, ensuring each new division has at least three to four healthy pseudobulbs and a portion of the rhizome with roots. Replant divisions immediately into fresh orchid potting medium. Consistent moisture and warmth support establishment.
Common Issues and Solutions
Orchids can experience various issues, often signaling a need for adjustment in care. Leaf discoloration (e.g., yellowing) can indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or excessive light. Brown tips suggest low humidity or fertilizer salt buildup. Adjusting watering, ensuring drainage, and flushing the potting medium can address these.
A lack of blooms often points to insufficient light, improper temperature fluctuations, or inadequate fertilization. Increasing indirect light and providing a distinct night-to-day temperature difference can encourage flowering. Root rot, a common problem, manifests as soft, brown, or mushy roots and typically results from overwatering or poorly draining media. Address this by repotting into fresh, airy medium after trimming affected roots. Manage pests like mealybugs and spider mites by regularly inspecting the plant and treating infestations with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.