A species frequently found in the horticultural trade under the erroneous name Epidendrum Barkeria, probably due to the taxon's previous inclusion in the genus Epidendrum, as well as its growth habit similar to that of a species common among Epidendrum Radicans collectors.
A relatively small-sized species that prefers a cool but dry climate, Barkeria Spectabilis is distinguished by fusiform cylindrical, erect pseudobulbs covered with sheaths, bearing ovate to linear-lanceolate, subcoriaceous leaves, acute to acuminate.
Valid synonyms for this species are Barkeria lindleyana ssps. spectabile [Batem ex Lindl.] Rchb.f 1862; Epidendrum spectabile (Bateman ex Lindl.) Rchb. f. ex Müll. Berol. 1862.
The genus was first described in 1838, in honor of George Barker, who first imported the taxon from Mexico and succeeded in flowering it. Currently, the genus Barkeria includes 16 recognized species.
Originating from Central America, specifically El Salvador, Chiapas, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, the Barkeria Spectabilis orchid occupies epiphytic habitats on oaks at altitudes of 1300 - 3500 m, but it can equally be lithophilic. Closely related to species of the genus Epidendrum, it enchants with flowers 4 - 8 cm in size, with varied colors ranging from white to pink, with darker speckling.
The flowering season for Barkeria spectabilis spans from April to August. The terminal inflorescences appear on stems about 25 cm long, being racemose or paniculate, emerging on new pseudobulbs. The flowers have a relatively short lifespan, are not fragrant, and their number can vary considerably, from a few to a very high number, but their blooming is successive, thus delighting any collector for an extended period.
One cultivation method for this species can be mounting it on wooden branches, with moderate shading, applying uniform watering during the growth period, but ensuring a rest period with reduced watering and fertilization in winter, after leaf drop - a normal aspect for this deciduous species during winter, when the rest period sets in. This makes this species a resilient, undemanding orchid that enjoys periods of neglect.
High temperature will take a medium, intermediate position, but this orchid also tolerates cold periods well, especially at night. Lighting will be intense, accompanied by moderate watering, as the species does not tolerate having wet roots. If daily drying of the roots is possible, then watering can also be done daily. Late autumn and winter watering will be reduced until new growth development is noticed.
For fertilization, any orchid fertilizer can be successfully used.
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