Large Orchid Formerly Schomburgkia grandiflora (Myrmecophila tibicinis)

Myrmecophila orchids, formerly Schomburgkia, are native to areas from Mexico to southern Brazil. They are incredibly large plants that perform extremely well in hot, tropical conditions. As they mature, plants may reach up to 5 feet tall and carry up to 15 flowers during spring. The flowers grow at a moderate pace eventually reaching 1 to 4 inches in diameter. Despite The Schomburgkia genus name honoring Moritz Richard Schomburgk, a German-born gardener and plant collector who went on to become the director of the Adelaide Botanic Garden in 1865, it was Richard’s brother Robert Hermann Schomburgk who dragged his brother along on a British-sponsored boundary-mapping expedition to British Guiana (1840-1844). Dried pseudobulbs of this species can be fashioned to make a trumpet to “call children home” from playtime – lending to the name. Myrmecophila tibicinis (Schomburgkia grandiflora) is considered a giant-sized, warm to hot growing epiphyte and occasional lithophyte, with few large leaves. This plant can be found in areas such as Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Venezuela in seasonally dry deciduous forests on tree trunks and larger branches often in full sun. Typically found at elevations of 980-1970 feet above sea level, it produces hollow pseudobulbs will a small entrance at the base to allow ants in the wild to live among them. Pseudobulbs may reach up to 20″ tall with 2-5 leaves. Once set in place, these orchids do not like to be disturbed. Large Wood Mount – Wood mount 16-24″ wide with cluster of 3-6 pseudobulbs (MAIN IMAGE) *You will receive a plant similar to the plant pictured. Plants may or may not have dried ends, torn/broken leaves, but is unlikely. Not all leaves or flowers of this plant may be present when shipping as seen in the photos. Plants will usually contain older, leafless bulbs that function to fuel the emergence of new growths and flower spikes. This plant may show high levels of stress from transit through yellow, drooping, or dropping of leaves/flowers. It may take an additional 2-3 weeks to recover (provide proper humidity during the recovery time). Larger sized options for purchase include additional shipping feeds. ——————————————— Foliage: Multiple sulcate, conic to cylindric pseudobulbs that are usually hollow, start as green and fade to yellow. Pseudobulbs range from small to large and include 2-5 apical, elliptic-ovate leaves. Blooms: Flowers are mainly 2-3″ with wavy sepals and petals, in colors of magenta, orange (tips), white (lip), and yellow with purple (mid lobe and central callus) on spikes up to 15 feet long. Slightly cooler night temperatures and warmer daytime temperatures usually promote flowering. Flowers last about 2-8 weeks, are lightly fragrant, produce a slightly sticky nectar, and may appear in March or April up to early June. Zoned: 11-13 Environment: Medium to high humidity. It will usually tolerate indoor levels, but maybe with difficulty, and would appear livelier in a more humid environment. Grows best in 75-90 degrees F and will tolerate as low as 45 degrees for a very, very short period of time. Needs good air circulation – not suitable for closed terrariums or containers. Tolerant of extremes, but favors warm weather. Light: Bright indirect light to almost full sun. Try to avoid North-facing windows due to lack of sufficient lighting. Leaves may burn under direct sunlight if not acclimated from shaded areas. Indoors may benefit from a grow light if not able to achieve 10-12 hours of sun daily. If leaves are growing too small or losing color, the orchids usually requires more light. Soil: Orchid mix, medium fir bark, cypress mulch topped with Osmacote, or superior-draining soilless mix. Mixture should always be loose, airy, and drain well. Base layer can be made of coconut husk, coconut chip, or even newspaper as the plants are growing out their roots. Water: Mist thoroughly (or water evenly) every 2-5 days depending on humidity and heat. Decrease watering if the humidity levels are higher. Do not let the soil dry out completely. Soggy leaves or overly damp soil may encourage leaf drop and disease. Decrease water in winter. Shriveled pseudobulbs maybe a sign of underwatering/incorrect potting mixture and will not regain their growth. If growing on bark or cork, you may need to water daily and ensure the humidity stays above 70%. Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer every other week to every month during the growing period (Spring to Fall). It is advisable to use a epiphyte fertilizer mix or a general-purpose fertilizer diluted to 1/4 of the directions. Notes: This plant is not considered toxic, but should not be consumed. Consumption may lead to stomach discomfort or upset. Plants are shipped with light wrapping and padding according to import/export regulations. Shipping usually occurs on Monday and Tuesday to minimize risk of damage to plants in transit. You may request shipping Wednesday – Friday provided your understanding the live-arrive guarantee is void. Prior to shipping, please contact the shop with questions or concerns and familiarize yourself with the shipping policy in FAQ section. Other plants, mother plant, and flowers in images not included.