Gongora leucochila x escobariana

Gongora leucochila × Gongora escobariana
Orchid in in vitro culture – Lot of 15 plants minimum
Origin and classification
Horticultural hybrid: Cross between Gongora leucochila and Gongora escobariana.
Objective: Combine the compactness and fragrant flowers of G. leucochila with the size and flower color of G. escobariana.
Classification: Orchidaceae family, Epidendroideae subfamily, Stanhopeinae tribe.
Characteristics of the parents
Gongora leucochila
Origin: Mexico, Panama (0–1,600 m).
Appearance:
Size: Small (20–30 cm), conical pseudobulbs (8 cm).
Leaves: 2 leaves per pseudobulb, leathery.
Flowers: White to pale green, lip spotted with purple, sweet and waxy fragrance (spring).
Culture:
Temperature: Warm (20–30°C).
Light: 20,000–30,000 lux (filtered).
Humidity: 70–85%.
Substrate: Hanging basket with coarse bark or mount.
Gongora escobariana
Origin: Colombia.
Appearance:
Size: Medium (30–50 cm), conical pseudobulbs.
Leaves: 2 leaves per pseudobulb, leathery.
Flowers: Reddish-brown to purple, contrasting lip, light fragrance.
Culture:
Temperature: Warm to intermediate (18–28°C).
Light: 20,000–30,000 lux (filtered).
Humidity: 70–85%.
Expected hybrid (Gongora leucochila × escobariana)
Appearance:
Size: Small to medium (25–40 cm), conical pseudobulbs.
Leaves: 2 leaves per pseudobulb, leathery.
Flowers:
Color: White-green to reddish-brown, spotted or contrasting lip.
Shape: Typical of Gongora ("shoe-shaped" lip).
Fragrance: Sweet and waxy (inherited from G. leucochila).
Blooming: Spring–summer, in pendulous clusters.
Duration: 1–2 weeks per flower (Gongora have an ephemeral blooming).
Culture (for 15 in vitro plants)
Temperature:
Day: 22–28°C.
Night: 16–20°C (difference of 6–8°C).
To avoid: <15°C or >32°C.
Humidity: 70–85% (essential).
Tip: Use a humidifier or a terrarium.
Light:
Intensity: 20,000–30,000 lux (filtered, no direct sun).
Source: East/west window or horticultural LEDs.
Watering:
Growth: Every 2–3 days (let dry slightly).
Rest: 1–2 times/week.
Method: Misting or quick soaking (avoid stagnant water).
Substrate:
Hanging basket: Coarse bark (70%), perlite (20%), charcoal (10%).
Mount: Cork plaque or fern, with a thin layer of sphagnum moss.
Repotting: Every 2–3 years, in spring.
Fertilization:
Growth: Balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to ¼, every week.
Rest: Every 2–3 weeks.
Tips for a successful culture
Optimal blooming:
Maintain high humidity and a temperature difference.
Cultivate in a hanging basket for the pendulous inflorescences.
Common problems:
Lack of flowers: Increase light or humidity.
Rot: Substrate too wet → repot in a more draining mix.
Propagation:
Division: Separate pseudobulbs (3–4 per division).
Keikis: Rare, but possible on mature spikes.
Advantages of the hybrid
Original flowers: Intermediate color and fragrance.
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