The Gomesa Jiaho Queen is a captivating hybrid, created from a cross between Gomesa (formerly Oncidium) onustum and Gomesa echinata. This orchid is admired for its unique blooms, often displaying striking black and yellow flowers that can resemble bumblebees. Its compact size, typically reaching about 18 inches in height, makes it suitable for various indoor growing environments, including terrariums. It has garnered recognition, receiving awards such as a Gold Medal from the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association (TOGA) and a First Class Certificate from the American Orchid Society.
Gomesa Jiaho Queen Care
Light
Gomesa Jiaho Queen thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window is ideal, providing sufficient light without harsh direct sun. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burn and fading. Aim for approximately 5 hours of indirect sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
While this orchid tolerates lower light, it may not bloom as profusely. Dark green leaves might indicate insufficient light, while yellowing or scorched leaves suggest too much direct exposure. Adequate air circulation is also beneficial.
Watering
Gomesa Jiaho Queen prefers its potting medium to dry out partially between waterings. Water deeply, saturating the medium until water drains completely from the pot. Allowing the plant to sit in standing water can lead to root rot.
Watering frequency varies based on environmental conditions and potting medium, typically every 5-7 days. During active growth, especially in warmer months, regular watering is beneficial, but ensure the medium dries between waterings.
Humidity and Temperature
Gomesa Jiaho Queen originates from tropical rainforests and requires high humidity. Maintain humidity between 60% and 90% for its well-being. In drier climates, increase humidity using pebble trays or a humidifier near the plant.
The orchid prefers moderate to warm temperatures, with a daytime range of 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Nighttime temperatures should be slightly cooler, ideally between 59°F and 68°F (15°C to 20°C). Consistent temperatures without extreme fluctuations encourage flowering.
Potting Medium and Fertilization
Gomesa Jiaho Queen thrives in a well-draining potting medium that allows good air circulation around its roots. A suitable orchid mix includes bark chips, sphagnum moss, and perlite or charcoal. This combination ensures aeration and prevents waterlogging.
During its active growing season, typically spring and summer, the plant benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced orchid-specific fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, diluted to half the recommended strength, about twice a month. Reduce or suspend fertilization during the plant’s dormant period, usually in winter, to avoid nutrient buildup.
Repotting Gomesa Jiaho Queen
Repotting Gomesa Jiaho Queen is recommended every one to two years, or when signs indicate it has outgrown its current pot. These signs include the potting medium breaking down, roots emerging, or the plant appearing too large. The optimal time for repotting is after the plant has finished flowering or when new root growth begins.
To repot, carefully remove the orchid from its old pot and gently clear away the degraded potting medium. Inspect the roots, trimming any that are soft, mushy, or damaged with sterilized shears. Select a new pot only slightly larger than the previous one, ensuring adequate drainage. Place the orchid in the new pot, spreading the roots, and backfill with fresh orchid potting mix, ensuring the base of the pseudobulbs remains at the surface.
Propagating Gomesa Jiaho Queen
Propagating Gomesa Jiaho Queen is done through division, a common method for sympodial orchids. This involves separating the plant into smaller sections. For successful division, each new section should have at least three healthy pseudobulbs with associated roots.
To divide, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently untangle the root ball. Identify natural divisions or cut the rhizome between pseudobulbs using sterilized, sharp shears. Ensure each division has sufficient pseudobulbs and healthy roots to support new growth. Pot each division into fresh orchid mix, providing indirect light and regular, but not excessive, watering until new growth is established.
Common Issues with Gomesa Jiaho Queen
Gomesa Jiaho Queen can encounter common orchid issues. A common problem is root rot, caused by overwatering or a potting medium that retains too much moisture. Signs include mushy, dark roots and a general decline in plant vigor. Adjusting the watering schedule to allow the medium to dry between waterings and ensuring good drainage can help prevent this.
Pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites can also affect Gomesa Jiaho Queen. Mealybugs appear as small, cottony masses, while scale insects are small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves. Spider mites are tiny and often cause a stippled or discolored appearance on leaves, sometimes accompanied by fine webbing. Treat infestations by wiping affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by applying an insecticidal soap. Good air circulation and appropriate humidity levels can deter spider mites. Lack of flowering might indicate insufficient light, requiring adjustment to a brighter, indirect light location.