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Pleurothallis spp.
Overview
Pleurothallis spp. is a genus of small epiphytic and lithophytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae, native to the American tropics from Mexico to Brazil. Once a very large genus with well over a thousand described names, it has been divided into many segregate genera and now holds roughly 500 species. Plants are tufted and clump-forming, generally 1-12 in (2.5-30 cm) tall, and lack the swollen pseudobulbs found in many orchids. Each slender stem, called a ramicaul, bears a single leathery leaf at its tip. Flowers arise from the junction of leaf and stem, carried singly or in small clusters, and are mostly tiny, 0.1-1.5 in (3-38 mm) across, in shades of red, maroon, purple, orange, yellow, and translucent green, often with short hairs or markings. Many species bloom more than once a year or nearly continuously. The genus grows on tree bark and mossy rock in cool, humid montane cloud forests at middle to high elevations, where it depends on constant moisture, moving air, and cool nights. Plants are damaged by drying out and by heat or stagnant air. Most are grown in specialist orchid collections and cool greenhouses.
Native Range
Native to the Neotropics, ranging from southern Mexico and the Caribbean through Central America and the Andes to Brazil and Bolivia, with the greatest concentration of species in the cloud forests of the northern Andes.Suggested Uses
Grown as miniature specimens in orchid collections, mounted displays, terrariums, and shaded greenhouses, where the small size suits limited space. Several species are cultivated for their year-round flowering in cool, humid setups.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 1'
Width/Spread2" - 1'
Bloom Information
Many species flower repeatedly through the year rather than in a single season, with peaks often in cooler months. Individual blooms can last from a few days to several weeks depending on species. In cultivation, steady cool, humid conditions extend flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Red, maroon, purple, orange, yellow, or greenFoliage Description
Green, leatheryGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in small pots or mounted on bark or tree-fern slabs in bright shade, away from direct sun. The genus needs constant humidity above 60 percent, year-round moisture, and steady air movement, and does not tolerate drying out completely. Cool to intermediate temperatures suit most species, with night temperatures of 50-60 F (10-16 C) and cooler conditions for high-elevation types. Rainwater or low-mineral water suits the thin roots, which are sensitive to salts. Most species are tropical and frost-tender, suited to greenhouse, terrarium, or indoor culture in temperate zones. Repot into fresh, fast-draining orchid mix when the old medium breaks down.Pruning
Routine pruning is not required. Remove spent flower stems and dead or shrivelled leaves to limit fungal problems. Divide crowded clumps at repotting, keeping several ramicauls per division.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons