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Restrepia sanguinea

A miniature-sized, cool-growing epiphytic orchid with oval-shaped, thick leathery leaves pointed at the end. Each leaf is wrapped in white, papery sheaths. Individual flowers emerge from the central point at the back of the leaf. They flower mainly in winter or spring, but flowers can appear consecutively throughout the year. Up to 3cm large, raspberry-red flowers are large compared to the overall size of the plant. Fused, lateral sepals and narrow petals give them an almost insect-like appearance

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Ultimate height

Up to 10cm

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

0–0.1 metre

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

H1C

Botanical details

Family: Orchidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming, Columnar upright
Name status: Correct
Plant range: Colombia

How to grow

Cultivation

Suitable for terrariums due to its compact size and moisture requirements. Grow in an open, free-draining orchid mix or mounted on a suitable support. Requires high humidity with ideal temperatures between 12-24 °C. Water with soft water (ideally rainwater) and ensure all water drains away, preventing the plant from sitting wet. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years. See indoor orchid cultivation for more tips.

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Well-estastiblished plants can be propagated by division. Ensure each division has young enough, mature pseudobulbs to support new growth.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required other than removing spent flower stems.

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insect, aphids and mealybugs. Thrips can cause damage on flowers and developing flower buds

Diseases

Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases

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