Spring 2022 plant project: sign up and plant suggestions

[Roberta]

As tiny plants go, this one is likely easier than most. It doesn't need particularly great humidity (my plants put up with whatever they get outside), overwatering is likely to be more deadly than lack of moisture. And pretty much any temperature from about 35 deg F (2-3 deg C) to 100 deg F (38 deg C) is fine.

If anybody gets a seed capsule... I have read that the pods contain vanillin, can be cured like vanilla beans. Haven't tried this myself though...

[camille1585]

Leptotes it is then!! I'll create the project thread later and those who don't have a plant yet can start shopping. I'll probably get a L. unicolor, that one is missing in my collection.

My Leptotes bicolor has big fat buds right now, and I'm looking forwards to the wonderful early morning fragrance!

Originally Posted by Roberta

As tiny plants go, this one is likely easier than most. It doesn't need particularly great humidity (my plants put up with whatever they get outside), overwatering is likely to be more deadly than lack of moisture. And pretty much any temperature from about 35 deg F (2-3 deg C) to 100 deg F (38 deg C) is fine.

I agree, it's been super easy for me. I'm not even sure that overwatering is an issue, even in pots. I grow mine like an oncidum; constantly moist and gets nearly daily watering. Not sure if you even saw the thread about mine last year, I got it potted in tighly packed sphagnum which it really, REALLY loved, and after 2 years it completely outgrew the sphag and the lower half of the pot (a larger one needed every year) is just a solid ball of roots with zero media.

[Roberta]

Camille, I did see your thread last year.. .and am amazed at how well it does for you in a pot. I killed a few in a pot and a basket, the mounted ones do great. But outdoor growing is a different animal... yours don't ever get cold, so like they are clearly OK with the moisture and like it. For mine, the rapid drying of the mounted plants may give the the cold tolerance that they need in my yard.

---------- Post added at 08:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:49 AM ----------

I just checked, alas my Lpt. bicolor doesn't have noticeable fragrance, at least not now (but it's cool and overcast) This is clearly one extremely adaptable little orchid - warm and damp, or cold and dry... and probably everything in between.

[camille1585]

I didn't realize you keep yours outside all year. Just goes to show how adaptable this orchid is!

As to the fragrance, it's only before sunrise. It starts during the night, and once it gets light it disappears entirely and very suddenly, liek there was an on/off switch. I wake up around 5:45am on weekdays, and I was really, really surprised by how strong (and pleasant) the scent is at that time!

[Roberta]

I think that I'll be missing the fragrance, sadly. I am still blissfully asleep when it's at its best. I wonder who the pollinator might be, to be active in the pre-dawn hours. Maybe a bird?

---------- Post added at 09:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:27 AM ----------

For any who want to expand their Leptotes collection, also consider Ltp. pauloensis, which blooms for me in the fall. It's pink with a yellow lip, a very cute little thing. I don't know what it's availability might be in Europe, in the US, Andy's would be a source.

[Keysguy]

OK--- I'll order mine but probably not until I get back north. I hate to set in a new plant and not have enough time to keep an eye on it and move it if it doesn't look happy where I first place it. It can spend the summer under lights so I can keep an eye on it.

I had a bicolor for several years and it did fine and this year all of a sudden it imploded and died on me. It was mounted on a piece of grapevine I think with some sphagnum. We had a super wet summer in the Keys last year so now I'm wondering....shoud I go with a pot this time or mount it again but w/o the moss?

[Roberta]

Mine is mounted without moss. But if you are growing it indoors, the pot might be good - Camille certainly grows hers well indoors that way.

[tmoney]

oh boy, an excuse to buy more plants! so lep bicolor it is then. camille, have you been looking around at nurseries, and do you have a europe side suggestion? thanks!

well, nevermind, found one at lucke orchideen. they seem to be a great nursery...

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Just to be clear, is it L. bicolor only? Or related species as well?

[Keysguy]

I may try a couple different ones Dusty if I hit the right vendor.

Roberta- the lights would be for this coming June-Oct only in my condo basement up north. It will come back with me to the Keys this fall and then live here permanently in my shade house.

I think mounted w/o the moss is best approach. We certainly have plenty of humidity.