Gongora Plaisir de Michel x leucochila
Technical Data Sheet – Gongora Plaisir de Michel × Gongora leucochila ‘Claire’ (In vitro culture, lot of 15 plants minimum)
1. Identification and Origin
Genus: Gongora (Orchidaceae, subtribe Stanhopeinae).
Origin: Hybrid resulting from the cross between Gongora Plaisir de Michel and Gongora leucochila ‘Claire’, two orchids native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru).
Natural habitat: Epiphytic, growing on trunks or branches in shaded, humid, and well-ventilated areas.
2. Appearance
Stems: Long and pendant, bearing spaced-out pseudobulbs.
Leaves: Lanceolate, leathery, medium to light green in color.
Flowers: In hanging clusters, often fragrant. The flowers of this hybrid may exhibit light shades (creamy white, pale green, or pale yellow) inherited from Gongora leucochila ‘Claire’, sometimes with darker streaks or patterns.
Blooming period: Mainly in autumn or winter, depending on cultivation conditions.
3. Cultivation Conditions (for 15 in vitro plants)
Temperature
Day: 20–28°C.
Night: 16–18°C minimum (avoid temperatures below 15°C).
Day/night drop: A differential of 5–8°C promotes blooming.
Humidity
Ideal rate: 60–80%. Maintain high ambient humidity, especially during active growth.
Light
Intensity: Indirect and filtered light (east or west window, or under greenhouse shading).
To avoid: Direct sun exposure, especially during hot hours, to prevent leaf burns.
Substrate
Recommended: Pure sphagnum moss or a mix of fine bark (60%) and sphagnum moss (40%) for good drainage and optimal moisture retention.
Repotting: Every 1 to 2 years, in spring, into hanging baskets or well-draining pots.
Watering
During growth: Frequent watering (every 2–3 days), allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings.
During rest: Reduce watering, but without allowing the substrate to dry out completely.
Fertilization
Fertilizer: Use a balanced orchid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, every 2 weeks during the growth period.
Winter rest: Reduce to a monthly application.
Ventilation
Guideline: Ensure good air circulation to prevent diseases and promote root health.
4. Tips for Successful Cultivation
Growing support: Prefer hanging baskets or cork/tree-fern plaques to mimic natural epiphytic conditions.
Acclimation: For plants coming from in vitro culture, plan a gradual acclimation phase to ambient conditions (humidity, light, ventilation).
Blooming stimulation: A slight drop in night temperatures and a reduction in watering in winter can encourage blooming.
Ambient humidity: Regularly mist the foliage, especially in dry environments.