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 similar habit to 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, acute to acuminate leaves.
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 the Central America region, more precisely El Salvador, Chiapas, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, the Barkeria Spectabilis orchid occupies epiphytic stations 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, from white to pink, with darker shade spotting.
The flowering season for Barkeria spectabilis is from April to August. The apical inflorescences appear on long stems of about 25 cm, being racemose or paniculate, emerging on new pseudobulbs. The flowers have a relatively short life, are not fragrant, and their number can vary considerably, from a few to a very high number, but their flowering is successive, thus delighting any collector for a long period of time.
A cultivation method for this species can be represented by mounting it on wooden branches, with moderate shading, administering uniform watering during the growth period, but ensuring a rest period, with reduced watering and fertilization in the winter period, after leaf fall - a normal aspect for this deciduous species during winter, when the rest period sets in. This aspect makes this species a resistant, undemanding orchid that enjoys periods of neglect.
High temperature will take a medium, intermediate position, but this orchid also tolerates cold periods well, especially during the night. Lighting will be intense, accompanied by moderate watering, since 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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