Jumellea arborescens is a fascinating epiphytic orchid native to Madagascar. Its distinctive growth pattern resembles a miniature tree, with long, cascading stems and small, fragrant flowers. This orchid thrives in warm and humid environments, making it a sought-after choice for orchid enthusiasts who appreciate its unique appearance and charming blooms.
Jumellea arborescens is a pendant, cool to hot growing epiphyte, occasionally found as a lithophyte. The plant can reach up to 270 cm in length with twisted pseudobulbs that grow out of a creeping rhizome. Its cylindrical leaves, measuring 10-60 cm, hang down gracefully. The orchid blooms from winter to late spring, with peak flowering in late spring. Its slender, 30 cm inflorescence often branches out, producing a few to several fragrant flowers. The flowers, about 4 cm in diameter, vary in color from creamy-white or yellowish with purple spots to backs with red or purple stripes. The purple to purple-brown lip is curved and has wavy edges, contributing to the orchid's distinctive beauty.
Cultivation Tips:
Light:
- Requires a light level of 20000-30000 lux.
- Prefers shady, sheltered locations with strong air movement.
- Needs shading in the summer for most of the day, but thrives in bright light early in the morning.
- A high light level is essential to induce flowering.
Temperature:
- Summer: Average daytime temperature is 29°C (84°F), and 19-21°C (66-70°F) at night, with a daily variation of 9-10°C (48-50°F).
- Winter: Average daytime temperature is 20-24°C (68-75°F), and 9-13°C (48-55°F) at night, with a daily variation of 10-12°C (50-54°F).
Humidity:
- Requires 60-65% humidity throughout the year.
Substrate, Growing Media, and Repotting:
- Should be firmly attached to cork or other hardwood pads due to their overhanging habit.
- If mounting is not possible, use the smallest hanging baskets or clay pots for better aeration compared to plastic pots.
- Repotting should be minimal and best done immediately after flowering when roots are actively growing.
Watering:
- Maintain constant moisture during the growing season, with moderate precipitation in summer and autumn.
- Gradually reduce watering in autumn and keep the plants slightly moist during winter.
Fertilizer:
- Use a 1/4 to 1/2 strength orchid fertilizer weekly.
- Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to mid-summer.
- Switch to high-phosphorus fertilizer in late summer and autumn.
Rest Period:
- In winter, allow the plant to dry slightly between waterings but never completely dry out.
- Reduce or eliminate fertilization until spring when watering increases.
This is a blooming size in a 4" pot about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!
Embrace the beauty of Jumellea arborescens and enjoy its fragrant blooms with the right care and conditions. Perfect for both beginner and experienced orchid enthusiasts!
