Cheiradenia
(pronounced: kye-rah-DEN-ee-ah)
Classification
Maxillarieae subtribe Zygopetalinae
Overview
Epiphytes or lithophytes producing fan-shaped growths. Pseudobulbs minute, on short rhizome segments. Leaves alternate, distichous, thin-textured. Inflorescences axillary, erect, scapose, subcapitate panicles. Flowers small, campanulate, produced in succession. Sepals and petals subsimilar, free, spreading. Lip obscurely three-lobed, concave, with a transverse callus. Column short, stout, without wings, with a short foot; pollinia 4. in two pairs.
Etymology
From the Greek, cheir, meaning hand, and aden, meaning gland, referring to the finger-like callus lobes.
Distribution
A monotypic genus native to northern South America.
Care and Culture Card
See basic growing conditions and care information below.
Grow Cheiradenia in small pots using a fine, seedling-grade potting mixture or mount them on slabs with a small pad of moisture retaining material at the roots. Provide intermediate temperatures, medium light levels, and steady watering throughout the year. In nature Cheiradenia are frequently exposed to a prolonged dry period but such a resting period does not appear to be needed in cultivation.
Literature
Christenson, E. A. 1996. Notes on Neotropical Orchidaceae II. Lindleyana 11(1):12-26. Senghas, K. 1993. Cheiradenia imthurnii Cogn. 1906. Die Orchidee 44(5): Orchideenkartei Seite 735-736.
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