Random orchids from Peru, don't know what to do!

[mycologist]

I literally stumbled on a fresh collection of random Peruvian orchids today and they need attention ASAP. I have no clue what most of them even are (here comes the ultimate NoID bag baby challenge). I should be able to get names for most in a couple of weeks after the botanists are done considering things, but I want to get them mounted or potted tomorrow, so I'm a bit overwhelmed. I'll tell you the story after the pics if you want to know. Any help would be most appreciated.





Not sure if this first one has a chance




These are TINY


He mentioned Bulbophyllum?


These are piles, they are a bunch of small individuals

[clintdawley]

I have no idea what most of them are but the bulbos are really leggy..you got those right, I'm almost certain...

Picture #4 is an oncidium alliance plant..

The most important question: Are these cloud forest orchids or more sea levelish? That might give you a clue. Peru, of course, has tons of native species so it might be hard...see this website: Living in Peru News 372 Native Orchid Species Inventoried at Machu Picchu, Peru

Hope you find some help! Some of them look a little rough but with some TLC might make it.

Here is a website that might help:

[mycologist]

Thanks, I should be able to come up with something for those two in general at least. I would assume for the Oncidium pretty bright but not strap leaf light levels?

All the guy who gave them to me said was that they were collecting in low elevation (sounded like a tangerine plantation that went wild) on up to over 10,000 feet on the contintntal divide in Peru. I wasn't clear if he was giving me low elevation or high elevation stuff, but I think mostly the former. He was really thin on details about what was what when queried and said that someone on the trip was from a botanic garden with a large collection and would get back to him with names eventually.

I'll read the link, thanks.

[Tmai]

What a haul! Good luck with them.

[clintdawley]

Moderately bright levels for the oncidium. More than a phal, but less than a catt. I think it would probably be wise to grow all of them intermediate--highs in the 75 degree range and lows of around 55--considering it's hard to tell what he got from where.

Some of the tiny ones remind me of pleurothallids, but this isn't my area of expertise.

Coming from Peru..I would make sure humidity levels are high...60%+ range.

Let us know what you find out!

Thanks, I should be able to come up with something for those two in general at least. I would assume for the Oncidium pretty bright but not strap leaf light levels?

All the guy who gave them to me said was that they were collecting in low elevation (sounded like a tangerine plantation that went wild) on up to over 10,000 feet on the contintntal divide in Peru. I wasn't clear if he was giving me low elevation or high elevation stuff, but I think mostly the former. He was really thin on details about what was what when queried and said that someone on the trip was from a botanic garden with a large collection and would get back to him with names eventually.

I'll read the link, thanks.

[Ron-NY]

I see what appears to be Pleuros, Stellis, Maxillaria and possibly Masdevallia in the bunch...

I have been collecting in Peru and what I would do is to pot them all in some loose Sphag and place them in bright shade until they get established. Keep humidity high and air circulation good.

Edit:
I think I even see a Comprettia in the bunch as well (pic #6..SMALL ALMOST VANDACEOUS LOOKING plant with an old spike in center) The plants above and to the right of the Comprettia are Tillandsias.

Pic #5 is most likely a Maxillaria.

Last pic, larger plant is most likely a Stellis species.

I would say that thery were in High Jungle for collection most of what I see. Do you know where in Peru they were hiking? I was in an area that had not seen may tourists in the past due to The Shining Path activity in the past.

[mycologist]

Wow, thanks a bunch for all the information, that is very helpful and exciting. Excellent timing too as I was just about to start on the potting. I think I will go with the moss for most on your suggestion. I also have some fine coco mix that has worked well with fine root plants that like even moisture that is tempting to try.

I knew I had read of someone going there from the board and now recall you mentioning it when you posted a few of your plants. I didn't get the location as he was running around trying to deal with a much larger pile of plants, but it sounded rather similar to your experience. He mentioned that it was very remote and rather sketchy.

Right now I am considering if I should use a bottle cap or a teaspoon scoop to put the littlest one in.

[Ron-NY]

Wow, thanks a bunch for all the information, that is very helpful and exciting. Excellent timing too as I was just about to start on the potting. I think I will go with the moss for most on your suggestion. I also have some fine coco mix that has worked well with fine root plants that like even moisture that is tempting to try.

I knew I had read of someone going there from the board and now recall you mentioning it when you posted a few of your plants. I didn't get the location as he was running around trying to deal with a much larger pile of plants, but it sounded rather similar to your experience. He mentioned that it was very remote and rather sketchy.

Right now I am considering if I should use a bottle cap or a teaspoon scoop to put the littlest one in.

The little ones that I brought home.
, I made a compot of them with them all growing together...as they are getting bigger and blooming, I have been removing them and potting them up seperately.

[mycologist]

It looks like a lot of these will make it. I think the guy at the greenhouse has some names now, I should get over there and look at his labels if they are still there.

Maxillaria? These were the rootless stalks:


Maxillaria? #2


Maxillaria? #3


If these above all turn out to be the same I will be happy to share. I might be able to divide the big one in a bit too.


Pleurothallis? (1&2) - I have a bunch of these, do you want some this spring Ron?


???


Onc.


THe Bulbo has a new lead



Stelis cf. atra (the one that flowered)


The super minis - the Comparettia flowered right away and has suffered a lot. No clue on the other two.

[Ron-NY]

the other 2 may be Stelis as well