Comparettia falcata - species - miniature orchid

Comparettia falcata is an epiphytic orchid species native to tropical America. 

Plant: A small, sympodial epiphyte (or occasional lithophyte) that can reach up to 20 cm in height. It features small, oblong-cylindric, slightly compressed pseudobulbs, 1-4 cm long. Each new growth has a single, leathery, elliptic to oblong-lanceolate leaf, typically 3-17 cm long. The common name "sickle-shaped" (falcata) refers to the leaf shape.

Flowers: The plant produces showy, deep pink (sometimes paler in the middle with darker veins) flowers, about 2.5 cm wide. The flowers appear on an arching or pendant inflorescence that can be over 30 cm long and bear up to 8 flowers.
Flowering Season: It typically blooms from late winter to early spring, through the summer.

Distribution: Comparettia falcata has a wide distribution, found in Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and northern South America (including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia). It primarily grows on tree trunks and branches in wet montane forests at elevations of 200 to 3000 meters. 

Cultivation and Care

Light: Requires bright, indirect, or filtered light. It should be protected from direct midday sun. Strong air movement is important.

Temperature: Prefers cool to warm conditions, with an ideal temperature range of 10-26°C (50-79°F).

Watering: Water the plant when the growing media is about to dry out, approximately two to three times a week during the active growing season. The plant should never be allowed to dry out completely. If mounted, water more often.

Substrate: It is often grown mounted on cork or tree fern slabs. If potted, it needs a loose, airy, well-draining mix such as fine bark and perlite.

Humidity: Thrives in high humidity levels of 80-85%.

Fertiliser: Use a balanced orchid fertiliser every two weeks during the growing season.

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