Coryanthes
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The name Coryanthes finds its origin out of Greek and is composed out of two words corys (helmet) en anthos (flower), which refers to the lip of the flower which looks like a helmet. The name bucket orchid is also a common word for this flower and is also referring to the shape of the flowers.
The first botanic who found this specie thought he had found a new species of Epidendrum, but in 1831 Hooker described Coryanthes Maculata for the first time. In these ages a lot of species of Coryanthes were described like they were Gongora-species. But after Hooker installed Coryanthes, they were transported to this genus.
Coryanthes is being found in Mid- to South America. Peru delivers at least 10 several species of Coryanthes, while Mexico only hosts Coryanthes Picturata. See for more information the Coryanthes species-total list and synonyms below.
The flowers of Coryanthes are at least to be mentioned fascinating. Unique are the shape but of course also the "bucket"-part in the world of orchids. The bucket is filled with liquid, produced by the flower itself. The glands produce this liquid and drops every now and then a drop of liquid and keeps up the level of liquid within the bucket. The bees are being lured by the colors and odor of the flowers and are trying their best to reach for the part that produces the odor. To do that they have to land on the flower, which gives them not the grip they need, and next moment they find their selves swimming in the "bucket" filled with this certain liquid. There is only one way out, which is through the lip of the flower. Above of this lip there are the polinien situated, which are being left behind on the back of the insect while he is crawling through the narrow gate. After the bee has found its way out of the Coryanthes, it will avoid the Coryanthes flowers for a few days. He won't forget this bad experience very easily. But when he finds himself a new seduction by another flower after a few days and drops in the bucket again, and crawls out again, he will leave the polinien on the stamp of the flower which is situated on the first-upper part of the lip.
The flowers occur underneath the bulb and the inflorences are mostly going right down vertically in the soil. So the best way to grow Coryanthes is in a wooden basket or in pots with big holes big enough to let the inflorences come out. On one inflorence occurs 1 to 4 flowers.
Klick here for an impressing video of opening flowers.
The culture of Coryanthes needs some experience and this type of orchids is not directly appropriate to start your hobby when you have no experience with orchids or tropical plants. On the other hand, when you succeed to create the natural conditions like the way Coryanthes grows in its natural habitat, you won't find much trouble.
Coryanthes loves warmth, some say 27º Celsius or 104º F at daytime, my experience is Coryanthes is doing great with temperatures of 22º Celsius or 85º F , certainly when it is not the grow season. A high humidity is an important factor, I 'll advise you to keep it up to 70-80%, because it will keep away insects like spider mites (they dislike a moist atmosphere). But the main reason for a humid atmosphere is to create an imitation of the natural circumstances.
This orchid likes to be watered frequently and when the plant is actively growing the soil may not dry out completely. In rest the plant may be kept a little dryer. During spring and summer the plant needs fertilizer with a high nitrogen value to encourage growth. During summer and autumn you can use fertilizer with a high phosphor value to stimulate the production of flowers. Phosphor even helps for the development of the root system. Be careful with fertilizing during winter, the plants doesn't need much at this time of the year.
Besides attention for fertility and humidity of the soil there is one other thing you need to consider namely the acidity of the soil. In their natural habitat Coryanthes grows in ant nests, and these ants are producing an acid. While you are actively keeping up de pH value of your other orchids, and you are taking care that the soil not drops to citrus-value, you need to take care that the soil of Coryanthes is acid! The pH value of Coryanthes may even drop to 3. There are several ways to accomplish a low pH value, but I usually use juice of lemon, which I apply to water. This water with juice will give a little acid. Despite of the fact that acid can prosper growth and is part of the natural habitat, it is not the most important thing for a healthy growth. The ants do not only take care for sour soil, but more important they are the gardeners of the garden of Coryanthes. They take care of a proper amount of moist- and fertilizer and even defend the area around and on the Coryanthes. All other animals not being the same ant as living with Coryanthes is being eliminated directly.
Coryanthes leaves are very vulnerable for spider mites or greenfly. To avoid infection with these animals, study regularly the plant and especially the leaves. When you spot nasty insects a quick response is important. The best advice I can give you is to spray the plants with poison which you can acquire in the garden shop, but be sure that this material you want to spray is opportune to use on orchids.
Coryanthes doesn't have as much as family as Catasetum. Though there are a couple of crossings with Stanhopea, so we can conclude that these orchids are similar built and "match" one another.
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