Gongora is a genus of sympodial epiphytic orchids (with branched stems on which axillary buds grow) that are generally found at altitudes between 0 and 1000 meters in humid tropical forests. From the very rigid, oval pseudobulbs with 2-3 wrinkled leaves, suspended inflorescences emerge, starting from the base of the pseudobulbs, with lengths of over 1 meter in some species. The flowers with a complicated shape are often fragrant.
It appears endemic (as the only location worldwide) in Southern Mexico. Gongora Galeata usually occupies mountain slopes facing the Gulf of Mexico in alpine forests, at altitudes of 600-1800 meters. A medium-sized epiphytic species, rarely lithophytic or terrestrial, Gongora Galeata reaches a height of up to 37 cm.
Gongora Galeata needs a light level between 20,000-30,000 lux (2000 - 3000 lumens/sq.m, similar to the genera Cattleya, Dendrobium, Cymbidium).
Moderate temperature requirements - in summer, the average daytime temperature is 24 °C with minimums of 16-17 °C at night. In winter, the average daytime temperature is 18-19 °C, with minimums of 12-13 °C at night.
Gongora Galeata needs humidity of about 80% throughout the year.
Due to the pendulous inflorescences, Gongora galeata prefers planting on bark plaques or in hanging baskets, with aerated substrate that allows good drainage and medium to large granulation. Repotting can be done anytime during the year, as soon as the plant grows new roots.
Plants should be watered abundantly during the growth period. The substrate should never dry out completely. From autumn, watering will be gradually reduced.
Plants should be fertilized weekly, with a quarter to half of the recommended fertilizer dose. A high-nitrogen orchid fertilizer is beneficial from spring until mid-summer, and from mid-summer until late autumn, a fertilizer richer in phosphorus should be used.
In winter, the substrate should be allowed to dry out a little between waterings, but never completely. Generally, light watering will be administered every 3-4 weeks. The amount of water should only be increased if the pseudobulbs shrivel excessively. Fertilization should be limited or completely stopped until spring, when abundant watering of the plant resumes.
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