Coryanthes macrantha Plant Care

Coryanthes picturata Rchb.f.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This orchid species is known for its striking bucket-shaped flowers with intricate patterns and vibrant colors. Coryanthes picturata originates from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique flowers, which resemble a hanging lantern and emit a sweet fragrance to attract pollinators.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect to filtered sunlight

Temp

65–75°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Coryanthes macrantha?

Water Coryanthes macrantha every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to filtered sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Coryanthes macrantha Native To?

Native range7 countries

What Is the Coryanthes macrantha?

Coryanthes macrantha (Coryanthes picturata) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Coryanthes genus. Coryanthes macrantha is native to Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. Coryanthes macrantha is also known as Large-flowered Coryanthes.

Coryanthes macrantha displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Coryanthes macrantha produces unique, intricate flowers with a bucket-shaped lip.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Coryanthes macrantha?

Coryanthes picturata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Coryanthes macrantha Need?

Coryanthes macrantha thrives in bright indirect to filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Coryanthes macrantha in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect to filtered sunlight

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Coryanthes macrantha Prefer?

Coryanthes picturata grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Coryanthes macrantha prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–75°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Coryanthes macrantha?

Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Coryanthes macrantha to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Coryanthes macrantha?

Feed Coryanthes macrantha every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 2 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Coryanthes macrantha?

Repot every 2-3 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Coryanthes macrantha?

Coryanthes macrantha can be propagated through division, back bulbs. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coryanthes alborosea plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Coryanthes macrantha Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Coryanthes macrantha, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Coryanthes macrantha?

Coryanthes macrantha is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Coryanthes macrantha Need?

Coryanthes macrantha grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Coryanthes macrantha is native to Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. In cooler regions, grow Coryanthes macrantha as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Coryanthes macrantha is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Coryanthes genus — compare its care with other Coryanthes species on PlantoScan.

Coryanthes is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.

Coryanthes macrantha thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Coryanthes Species

Other Coryanthes species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Coryanthes picturata Rchb.f., family Orchidaceae (first published in Bot. Zeitung (Berlin) 22: 332 (1864)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Coryanthes macrantha, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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