Contents
Description
Dichaea Trichocarpa is a species of orchid known for its attractive foliage and stunning yellow flowers. It is native to South America and can be found growing in the wild in countries like Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. This epiphytic plant has a unique growth habit, with its roots hanging freely in the air and its leaves and flowers growing from a central stem. The name Dichaea Trichocarpa comes from the Greek word “dikhaia,” which means “forked,” and “trichocarpa,” which means “hairy fruit.”
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Dichaea |
Appearance
Dichaea Trichocarpa is a small plant that typically grows to be around 6-12 inches tall. Its leaves are a shiny, dark green color and are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem. The flowers of Dichaea Trichocarpa are what make it truly unique. They are a bright yellow color and have a distinctive star-like shape. The flowers are relatively small, measuring only about an inch in diameter, but they are produced in large clusters, making for a stunning display.
Care Guide
To take care of Dichaea Trichocarpa, you’ll need to pay close attention to its water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zone requirements. Water: Dichaea Trichocarpa is an epiphytic plant, which means it grows on other plants and gets its nutrients from the air and rain. To mimic this natural environment, you should water your plant regularly but sparingly. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.Fertilization: Dichaea Trichocarpa doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer, but it does benefit from occasional feedings. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).Soil: As an epiphyte, Dichaea Trichocarpa doesn’t grow in soil. Instead, it prefers a well-draining potting mix made from materials like sphagnum moss, bark, and perlite.Sunlight: Dichaea Trichocarpa likes bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it’s best to place your plant near a window with filtered light.Hardiness Zones: Dichaea Trichocarpa is a tropical plant and needs warm temperatures to thrive. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, Dichaea Trichocarpa is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Some common issues to watch out for include:- Scale: These tiny insects attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and suck the sap. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider mites: These pests are common in dry indoor environments and can be identified by the fine webbing they create on the plant. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Root rot: Overwatering can cause the roots of Dichaea Trichocarpa to rot, which can be fatal to the plant. To prevent this, make sure your potting mix is well-draining and allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.
Habitat
Dichaea Trichocarpa is native to South America and can be found growing in the wild in countries like Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. It is an epiphytic plant, which means it grows on other plants and gets its nutrients from the air and rain. It is typically found growing in humid, tropical environments like rainforests.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Dichaea Trichocarpa?
A: Water your plant regularly but sparingly. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.
Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Dichaea Trichocarpa?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Q: Can I grow Dichaea Trichocarpa outdoors?
A: Dichaea Trichocarpa is hardy in USDA zones 10-11 and can be grown outdoors in warm, tropical climates.
Q: How do I propagate my Dichaea Trichocarpa?
A: Propagation can be done by dividing the plant at the roots and repotting in fresh, well-draining soil.
Related Plants
– Dichaea cogniauxiana- Dichaea panamensis- Dichaea squarrosa- Dichaea trulla
References
– The American Orchid Society. (n.d.). Dichaea trichocarpa. Retrieved from https://www.aos.org/orchids/orchids-a-to-z/letter-d/dichaea.aspx- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Dichaea trichocarpa. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d951- OrchidWeb. (n.d.). Dichaea trichocarpa. Retrieved from https://www.orchidweb.com/orchids/species/dichaea/trichocarpa
