Contents
Description
Gomesa is a genus of orchids that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. It is a group of terrestrial, epiphytic, or lithophytic orchids that are native to Central and South America. The genus was named after João Barbosa Rodrigues’ friend, Brazilian botanist Francisco Gomes de Oliveira. Gomesa orchids are known for their beautiful and fragrant flowers that come in various colors such as white, pink, purple, and yellow. They have pseudobulbs that store water and nutrients, which allows them to survive in dry or arid conditions. The leaves are usually lanceolate or elliptic and have a smooth surface.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Gomesa |
Appearance
Gomesa orchids have beautiful flowers that are fragrant and come in various colors such as white, pink, purple, and yellow. The flowers have three sepals and three petals, and the lip is usually highly modified to attract pollinators. The pseudobulbs can vary in size, and the leaves are usually lanceolate or elliptic and have a smooth surface.
Care Guide
Gomesa orchids are relatively easy to care for and are great for beginners. Here are some tips on how to care for them:- Water: Gomesa orchids prefer to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water them thoroughly once a week, and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.- Fertilization: Gomesa orchids should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. – Soil: Gomesa orchids prefer a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. – Sunlight: Gomesa orchids prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn their leaves. – Hardiness Zones: Gomesa orchids are tropical plants and prefer temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. They are hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gomesa orchids are relatively pest and disease-free, but they can still be affected by some common issues. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect Gomesa orchids:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause discoloration and damage to the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. – Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Treat with alcohol or insecticidal soap. – Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. To prevent root rot, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Habitat
Gomesa orchids are native to Central and South America and can be found in a variety of habitats such as rainforests, cloud forests, and savannas. They are usually found growing on trees, rocks, or on the ground in well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Gomesa orchid?
A: Water your Gomesa orchid thoroughly once a week, and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: What kind of soil does Gomesa prefer?
A: Gomesa orchids prefer a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Gomesa orchids?
A: Gomesa orchids are hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Q: What is the most common pest that affects Gomesa orchids?
A: Spider mites are the most common pest that affects Gomesa orchids.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Gomesa orchids:- Cattleya- Dendrobium- Oncidium- Phalaenopsis
References
– International Orchid Register. (2021). Gomesa. Retrieved from https://apps.rhs.org.uk/horticulturaldatabase/orchidregister/orchiddetails.asp?ID=29204- Orchid Society of Great Britain. (n.d.). Gomesa. Retrieved from https://www.osgb.org.uk/genera/gomesa/- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. (n.d.). Gomesa. Retrieved from https://www.kew.org/science/search-the-collections/collections/people/plants/genus/gomesa
