Triangle Orchid

jumellea triquetra

Also known as: ["Triangle Orchid"]

Family: Orchidaceae Genus: Jumellea Category: Flowers

Overview

An epiphytic orchid species native to Madagascar, characterized by its triangular pseudobulbs and fragrant flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Genus: Jumellea
Botanical Name: Jumellea triquetra

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot with excellent air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Indoor Plant Lovers Fragrance Lovers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"11–12"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry environments
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Orchid mix with added perlite or coarse sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust for seasonal light intensity.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; avoid harsh midday sun; provide shade during peak hours for outdoor placement.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

bright, indirect light

Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting the leaves.

Soil

orchid bark mix with perlite

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).

Use orchid bark mix; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil.

Temperature

Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) in winter promote blooming.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 2 weeks during active growth with diluted orchid fertilizer, none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize after watering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stem, cut below node, apply hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F or 21–27°C), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or orchid bark.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to speed up root development.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth in 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems just above a node or leaf junction; remove spent flower spikes.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or yellowing stems to encourage new growth and maintain shape.

Tools

Clean pruning shears, sterilizing solution

Checklist

Sterilize tools, prune dead/damaged stems, shape plant, clean up debris

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in slightly larger pot with fresh orchid mix, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Check root health, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, water sparingly after repotting

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid leaf wetting

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud abortion in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or dehydration in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently in hot conditions.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid winter feeding

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Jumellea triquetra may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Jumellea triquetra can result from water stress, either due to underwatering or root damage from overwatering or pathogens, impacting turgor pressure and nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Jumellea triquetra may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Jumellea triquetra due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to tissue decay and plant death if not addressed.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Jumellea triquetra is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in felines after ingestion or contact with this orchid species.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for keeping this plant in environments where cats are present.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Jumellea triquetra is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion or contact with this orchid species.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for keeping this plant in environments where dogs are present.
Humans
Non-toxic

Jumellea triquetra is a species of orchid that is not known to exhibit any toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption, though it is not typically consumed as a food source.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant in human environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Jumellea triquetra?

A: Water when the pseudobulbs are slightly dry, typically every 7-10 days, depending on humidity and temperature.

Q: Does this orchid require special lighting?

A: Yes, it thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to other epiphytic orchids.

Q: Can Jumellea triquetra be grown outdoors?

A: It can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates with sheltered conditions, but it is primarily suited for indoor cultivation.

Quick Reference
Family: Orchidaceae
Care: moderate
Light: bright, indirect light
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","indoor plant lovers","fragrance lovers"]
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