Cochleanthes (abbreviated Cnths.) amazonica is endemic to the Amazon Basin of Brazil, Surinam, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru in shady cloud forests at elevations of 500-3,300 feet. It is a small sized, warm to intermediate growing epiphyte with a fan-shaped leaves. A solitary, large, showy, waxy, scented flower held below the leaves blooms in the winter and early spring. As this orchid has no pseudobulbs it must be kept evenly moist under intermediate conditions with fairly high humidity, good air circulation, and should never be allowed to dry out. Its roots are very prone to rot from fertilizer buildup or if the potting mix breaks down, so repot with fresh media once a year. Plants are very compact, rarely exceeding 4 inches. It makes a companion plant for Phal. as it has similar growing conditions. This plant can be grown on a windowsill or under lights. Note, Cnths. amazonica is also known as Warzcewiczella amazonica and Chondrorhyncha amazonica.
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