Leptotes bicolor

[Bud]

This is an eye catching miniature species endemic to Brazil and Paraguay which produces fragrant, white flowers with a bright, magenta lip. It smells like fruity bubblegum.
It is cool to hot growing in subtropical rainforest and coastal mountains with terete pencil like pseudo bulbs. I mounted it on tree fern and is now well attached and established while giving it bright light and humid conditions.
The seedpods of this orchid are gathered to flavor ice cream and sherbets. Extracts from this plant’s capsules are used to flavor milk, ice cream and some deserts just as we use vanilla(Leptotes bicolor contains vanillin ). I will try to self this since I have several buds and if I get a seed pod; I will try to mix it with milk and ascertain if it is really flavorful.

[Mira-Claude]

It's extremely pretty!!!

[sithwitch]

Gorgeous little plant! I've been think of ordering one of these (or this great looking primary hybrid of it with L. flava)
Does it require much cooler temps to bloom? That's my one concern about any plants unfortunately

[JaneEyre]

Bud, yours is a beauty. How many buds are there? I saw at least 4... Mine only made two flowers this year (it's still a small plant). It bloomed late winter/early spring for me but I'm growing it indoors.

[WhiteRabbit]

Beautiful! That's really cool that the seeds are used as a flavoring - I'd love to try that! Makes you wonder if other orchids besides vanilla and this might have yummy seeds ...

[Bud]

Thank You, Mira-Claude!

Thank You, Melanie ! This bloomed in the height of summer in Manhattan and humid as well....but it is indoors in a constant 80F....you can grow this; its easy no fuss at all follow the Brassavola and Leilia culture.

[Bud]

Thank You, Nastia ! I grow indoors too....but I give it humidity and it likes to be on the warmer when it says the culture is cool to hot....I have six more buds coming and the one in bloom....makes it seven! I am definitely selfing this ....I am waiting for the other buds to open and I want that seed pod , heh

[Bud]

Thank You, Sonya ! The seed pod of this Orchid contains vanillin. That is why it is flavorful. I read online that it is manufactured as flavorings for milk, chocolates, ice cream and sherbet.

[Pilot]

Well done, bud! I have one of these as well. Is this your first time blooming it under your conditions? It has been for me this year. I've found that once mine bloomed it wanted to keep going. It's been in bloom with different flowers for about three months now. I think like most orchids, once it reached its groove in your conditions it takes off!



Mine grows in sh inches form t8 lights.

[Bud]

Thank You, Ryan !
This is the first time I have bloomed this plant and it is about to give me six more flowers. I waited for so long....I guess it has grown acustomed to my environment.
I should have grown this on S/H....but I like towater mounted plants....I must be doing right by this plant it has given me several small growths as well...I have 24 pseudo bulbs so far....I am looking forward to more blooms and seed pods for my desert