Habitat and Ecology
Gongora rufescens is a medium-sized, pendent, pseudobulbous epiphyte native to Central and South America, with a distribution spanning from Panama through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is primarily found in tropical wet forests and montane cloud forests, typically at elevations between 500 and 1,500 metres. This orchid grows on trees in shaded, warm, and highly humid conditions. Like others in its genus, its flowers rely on male Euglossine (Orchid) bees for pollination, which are attracted by the unique chemical fragrances the flowers emit.
🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
Commonly known as the Russet-Colored Gongora (rufescens means 'reddish' or 'rusty'), this orchid is a spectacular perennial.
Pseudobulbs & Foliage: It produces clustered, ovoid, deeply ribbed pseudobulbs (up to 5 cm tall) topped by two large, thin, plicate (pleated) leaves.
Flowers (Morphology): The distinctive flowers are borne on basal, pendent inflorescences that emerge from the base of the plant and grow downwards. The spike carries numerous, fleshy blooms, typically 10 to 25 flowers.
Aesthetics: The flowers are complex, with the characteristic "flying dragon" or "praying mantis" shape. They are typically yellowish-tan, tawny brown, or reddish-brown, and are often densely spotted with reddish-purple or maroon. The segments of the flower are often reflexed. The flowers are strongly fragrant, often described as spicy, sweet, or reminiscent of allspice.
💧 Cultivation and Care
Gongora rufescens requires a warm, humid environment and must be grown in a hanging basket to allow its pendent flower spikes to emerge and descend freely. It is an intermediate to warm grower.
Light: Needs bright, indirect light. It should be shielded from harsh direct sun.
Substrate: Use an open, coarse, and free-draining epiphytic mix of bark, charcoal, and sphagnum moss.
Watering: Keep the medium evenly moist during active growth; do not let it dry out completely. Reduce watering slightly in winter.
Temperature: Requires stable warmth.
Optimal Daytime Temperature: 21-27 C (70-81 F).
Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A drop is beneficial, ideally 14-18 C (57-64 F).
Humidity: High humidity (60-80%+) and plentiful air movement are essential.
✨ Unique Features
This orchid is prized for its long, cascading flower chains that are highly fragrant and display a rich russet-brown spotting. Its bizarre, intricate floral morphology and the sweet, spicy fragrance make it a captivating specimen and a perennial favourite for collectors.
🏷️ Specifications
Plant Size: Flowering size, 3+ pseudobulbs as seen in the picture
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Gongora rufescens B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB
