The Encyclopedia of House Plants

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Gongora

Family: Orchidaceae.

Gongora There are more than 50 species, all native to tropical America, from Mexico, Central America and the West Indies, through South America to Bolivia. Grows epiphytically in wet forest from 0-1,000 meters.

They have ribbed ovoid psuedobulbs with 2 to 3 apical thin, heavily veined leaves. The inflorescence arises from the base of the psuedobulb and hangs with many non resupinate, upside down flowers on a pendant spike. This orchid has brightly colored flowers that produce a powerful fragrance attractive to bees. These plants are epiphytes and many are found in association with ant nests.

Gongora
Growing conditions Watering and misting Propagation
Cultivate under intermediate conditions, acidic, moist, heavy feeding, basket or pot. They do not like to dry out so water and fertilize regularly and grow under intermediate to warm conditions. Water freely all year, sparingly in winter. Misting is necessary once or twice a day. Gongora is propagated by the division of pseudobulbs in the spring. Back bulbs should be allowed to sprout and start root growth before potting up.
Gongora galeata
A New World species that produces pendant spikes with 7 - 10 flowers. Grows on the warm side of intermediate in moderate to bright light. Water year around. Flowers spring through summer. Gongora galeata

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