Orchidaceae
Guaria (Guarianthe)
Guarianthe
Cattleya-style culture: bright filtered light, a coarse fast-draining mix, generous water during growth and a nearly dry mix between waterings. A cooler, drier rest from mid-autumn until flowering. Keep nights above 10 °C.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
10° - 30°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Guaria?
Guaria (Guarianthe) is a medium-care plant from the Orchidaceae family. Guarianthe is a small genus of epiphytic orchids in the Orchidaceae family, with four species (G. aurantiaca, G. bowringiana, G. patinii and G. skinneri) plus natural hybrids, native to wet forests of Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and Trinidad at 30 to 2,300 m. It was split from the b...
Guaria grows up to watering every 7 days, 10°C – 30°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Guaria is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Guaria?
TLDR: Guaria needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 10-30°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Guaria?
Water generously in spring and summer, only once the mix is nearly dry. Cut back from mid-autumn until the plant blooms. Flush the pot with clean water now and then to prevent salt buildup.
How Much Light Does Guaria Need?
Bright but filtered light. Grass-green leaves mean the light is right; in winter, extra light (yellow-green leaves, no burning) improves flower count and color.
What Is the Best Soil for Guaria?
A coarse, fast-draining mix: medium bark, hardwood charcoal, lava rock or clay pellets. Avoid media that stay wet for long.
What Pot Should You Use for Guaria?
Clay or plastic pot with plenty of holes, or a wooden basket; it also grows well mounted on a slab or branch.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 7 days
What Is Guaria and Where Does It Come From?
Guarianthe is a small genus of epiphytic orchids in the Orchidaceae family, with four species (G. aurantiaca, G. bowringiana, G. patinii and G. skinneri) plus natural hybrids, native to wet forests of Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and Trinidad at 30 to 2,300 m. It was split from the bifoliate Cattleya species in 2003 based on DNA studies. Two-leaved pseudobulbs carry clusters of lavender, purple, orange, white or pink flowers.
How to Propagate Guaria?
Pseudobulb division
Divisions that are too small take a long time to bloom. Sterilize tools between plants.
- 1 Divide after flowering, when new roots appear
- 2 Cut the rhizome with sterilized shears, keeping at least 3 or 4 pseudobulbs per piece
- 3 Pot each piece in fresh coarse mix
- 4 Water sparingly until new roots take hold
Materials needed:
How Big Does Guaria Grow?
TLDR: Guaria can reach up to ?cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Guaria?
TLDR: Guaria is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Meaning & Symbolism
Guarianthe skinneri, the guaria morada, is the national flower of Costa Rica, a symbol of peace, beauty and national identity.
Fun Facts
Guarianthe was split from Cattleya in 2003 after DNA studies.
The guaria morada, G. skinneri, is the national flower of Costa Rica.
The name combines 'guaria', the Costa Rican word for these orchids, with the Greek anthos, flower.
Frequently asked questions
How do I water a Guarianthe orchid?
How much light does Guarianthe need?
What is the minimum temperature for Guarianthe?
When does Guarianthe bloom?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
