Mtdm. Pacific Ripple 'Coqui Poke'

The exquisite hybrid, Mtdm. Pacific Ripple 'Coqui Poke', presents a breathtaking display of color and form. This Mid-size Oncidium-type orchid produces sprays of flowers that are predominantly a rich, velvety burgundy, contrasted strikingly with a bold, white lip. The flowers often feature delicate ripples or markings on the petals and sepals, giving the bloom an intricate texture. The plant itself is compact and robust, developing plump pseudobulbs that store moisture and nutrients, and the foliage is a bright, attractive green, typically held upright, which contributes to its neat appearance on a windowsill or bench.

Quick Start Summary:

Light: Bright, indirect light, similar to Phalaenopsis or medium-light Cattleyas.

Temps: Intermediate to warm temperatures; prefer daytime highs between 70 F and 85 F, and nighttime lows no lower than 60 F.

Water: Water thoroughly when the media is just approaching dryness; usually every 5 to 7 days, allowing for a slight drying period between waterings.

Humidity: Moderate humidity is ideal, between 50 percent and 70 percent.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer weakly, weekly, or according to package directions for active growth periods.

Media: A fine-to-medium bark mix or a mix with sphagnum moss and perlite is suitable, ensuring excellent drainage.

🌺 Orchid Lore & Discovery

Mtdm. Pacific Ripple is a complex intergeneric hybrid, meaning it was bred from species of several different genera, resulting in a vigorous and highly adaptable plant. Its lineage involves Miltonia, Odontoglossum, and Oncidium species, combining the attractive shape of Odontoglossums with the ease of culture and color saturation found in Oncidiums. This particular cross inherits its rippled texture and rich coloration from its complex parentage, making it a favorite among hobbyists seeking colorful and rewarding blooms. The 'Coqui Poke' variety name may refer to a local Hawaiian nickname or a specific clone selection.

🌿 How to Grow Mtdm. Pacific Ripple 'Coqui Poke'

Light: Provide bright, indirect light throughout the year. Morning sun is generally acceptable, but intense midday sun should be avoided as it can scorch the delicate foliage, leaving permanent brown or black marks. An east or shaded south window is often ideal. Leaf color should be a medium olive green; very dark green leaves suggest insufficient light, while yellowish leaves may indicate too much.

Temps: Maintain intermediate to warm temperatures for optimal growth and flowering. Night temperatures should not drop below 60 F, while day temperatures can range up to 85 F. This orchid does not typically require a significant temperature drop to initiate flowering, making it suitable for consistent household environments. Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or heat sources.

Water: Water as the potting media approaches dryness. These orchids have pseudobulbs, which store water and indicate they prefer not to be constantly soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot. If using a bark mix, this often means watering every 5 to 7 days, depending on your growing environment and pot size. Ensure that excess water drains completely from the bottom of the pot.

Humidity: Moderate to high humidity, around 50 percent to 70 percent, is appreciated by this hybrid. In dry environments, placing the pot on a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the pot does not sit in the water, can help raise the local humidity around the plant. Good air circulation is vital, especially when humidity is high, to prevent fungal issues.

Fertilizer: Feed the orchid regularly, particularly when it is actively growing new foliage and pseudobulbs. A balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, applied weekly or every other week is a good regimen. Reduce or discontinue feeding during the short rest period after flowering or during the winter if growth slows significantly.

Media: Use a free-draining mix that allows for good air circulation around the roots. A mix of fine to medium fir bark, mixed with charcoal or perlite for added aeration, is suitable. Repotting should be done when new roots begin to emerge or when the current media breaks down, typically every 1 to 2 years. Choose a pot just large enough to accommodate the next two years of growth.

Offered in 4" pots. Many have double and triple spikes!