Coryanthes macrantha - blooming size

Coryanthes macrantha is a fascinating epiphytic orchid species native to the humid tropical forests of Central and South America. Commonly known as the bucket orchid or monkey throat orchid, it is celebrated for its extraordinary, complex blooms featuring a unique bucket-shaped lip designed to temporarily trap pollinators.

• Origin: Native to the wet lowland forests of Trinidad, Brazil, Venezuela, and other parts of northern South America, where they frequently grow as epiphytes in high-humidity habitats.

• Flowers: Produces large, highly fragrant, short-lived flowers (up to 5–6 inches or 13–15 cm across) on a unique, pendulous basal inflorescence that grows downward through the potting medium. The blooms feature yellowish-to-cream tones heavily spotted and freckled with red or brown.

• Foliage: Features clustered, narrowly ovoid, ribbed pseudobulbs topped with broad, pleated (plicate) lanceolate leaves.

Orchid Care

• Light: Bright, indirect light (around 2,500–3,000 foot-candles or 25,000–32,000 lux). Avoid harsh direct sunlight.

• Temperature: Warm-to-hot conditions (75°F–85°F / 24°C–29°C during the day, dropping to 55°F–65°F / 13°C–18°C at night).

• Humidity: High humidity levels (70–85%) paired with constant, gentle air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

• Water & Substrate: Requires consistent moisture during the active growing season without becoming waterlogged. Because its flower spikes grow downward through the bottom of the container, it must be planted in open wooden slat baskets or wire baskets lined with long-fiber sphagnum moss or a moisture-retentive, coarse, acidic organic mix.

• Grown in 4" pot