Catasetinae Alliance: Cycnoches lehmannii

Introducing Lehmann's Cycnoches Orchid - A Rare Beauty with Fragrant Waxy Flowers

Experience the captivating allure of Cycnoches lehmannii, also known as Lehmann's Cycnoches Orchid. This extraordinary orchid species is native to the enchanting northwestern regions of Peru and western Ecuador, where it thrives in seasonally dry forests. As a caespitose, medium-sized epiphyte, it boasts elongate, large cylindric pseudobulbs that give rise to oblong-ligulate leaves with a cuneate base. The stunning blooms of Lehmann's Cycnoches emerge during the spring and summer, showcasing a few exquisitely fragrant flowers on a 4" (10 cm) long raceme.

Unleash the beauty and elegance of your indoor garden with these remarkable orchids. Lehmann's Cycnoches stands out from the crowd with its unusual, waxy flowers that emit a delightful fragrance when the temperatures soar. While these pseudobulbous plants are deciduous in nature, they possess distinctive growing and resting periods. Most notably, they produce magnificent blooms before entering a dormant phase during which they shed their leaves.

To ensure optimal growth and blooming success, Lehmann's Cycnoches orchids require specific care and attention. They thrive under moderate to bright lighting conditions, ranging from 1500 to 5000 foot candles (fc). For best results, provide a Southern exposure or a location that offers plenty of bright, filtered light. Maintaining temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (27-38 degrees Celsius) during the active growth period, along with cooler night temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15-18 degrees Celsius), will promote healthy development. As the mature growths enter the dormant phase, reduce night temperatures to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) while maintaining day temperatures of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21-29 degrees Celsius).

Maintaining an ideal humidity level of 40 to 60 percent is crucial for Lehmann's Cycnoches orchids. In a home environment, you can achieve this by placing the plants on humidity trays and ensuring proper air circulation to prevent fungal and bacterial growth. In a greenhouse setting, using a humidifier will help increase humidity while simultaneously cooling the air.

Watering is a critical aspect of cultivating these exceptional orchids. The plant's ability to store water is vital for the formation of robust pseudobulbs and vibrant blooms. During the growth phase, water the orchid generously as new leaves begin to form. As the pseudobulbs mature, gradually reduce the frequency of watering. The leaves will naturally yellow and shed, signaling a transition to the dormant period. During this time, completely halt watering until new growth emerges. Only water during the dormant phase if the plant experiences severe shriveling, as overwatering can lead to pseudobulb rot and eventual demise.

Fertilizing plays a crucial role in nurturing strong pseudobulbs. For active growth, use a high-nitrogen formulation (30-10-10), gradually reducing the frequency as pseudobulbs develop. In the fall, opt for a bloom booster formulation (10-30-20), unless your particular variety typically blooms in spring.

When it comes to potting, it's best to time it with the initiation of new growth, usually in the spring. This allows for rapid root development with minimal setbacks. Lehmann's Cycnoches orchids possess vigorous root systems and thrive in a rich, moist potting medium during the active growth phase. Fine-grade media work well for smaller pots, while medium-grade media are more suitable for larger containers. Many growers find success with sphagnum moss, as it provides excellent water and fertilizer retention. Alternatively, you can cultivate these orchids on slabs of tree fern or other materials to ensure proper moisture control during dormancy, although maintaining moisture during the growth phase becomes more challenging.

This is a blooming size in a 4" pot, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

Lehmann's Cycnoches distinguishes itself from C. chlorochilon with its unique characteristics. The flowers are notably flat, featuring a rounded lip without concavity on the sides. The inflorescence typically showcases two or fewer large 4" (10 cm) blooms.

Elevate your orchid collection with the enchanting Lehmann's Cycnoches Orchid. Unleash its fragrance, appreciate its delicate beauty, and revel in the joy of growing this exceptional and rare species.