Project 2022 Leptotes species

[StephaneL]

I received a package from Santa Barbara Orchid Estate today...

Now let's see if I can rebloom it next year.

[PlumCrazy]

Very nice! What medium is it in?

[StephaneL]

Originally Posted by PlumCrazy

Very nice! What medium is it in?

It is in medium size rocks (marble chips I believe). Considering Camille's success with a more water retentive medium and the fact I don't want to have to water daily, I think I'm gonna switch it to smallish bark when the moment is right to repot.

In fact, I am wondering if now would be the right moment to repot. SBOE's website describes the plant as "divisions from our mother-plant" and considering the number of flowers on such a small plant I think it might have been cut just before sending it to me.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by StephaneL

It is in medium size rocks (marble chips I believe). Considering Camille's success with a more water retentive medium and the fact I don't want to have to water daily, I think I'm gonna switch it to smallish bark when the moment is right to repot.

In fact, I am wondering if now would be the right moment to repot. SBOE's website describes the plant as "divisions from our mother-plant" and considering the number of flowers on such a small plant I think it might have been cut just before sending it to me.

I noticed some new roots on mine, so this probably is a good time to repot or remount or whatever you want to do,

[alfrsa]

It's my first time seeing L. bicolor flowers live, they really are quite big compared to the plant. Sadly, my plant isn't fragrant at all, not even at night...

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by alfrsa

It's my first time seeing L. bicolor flowers live, they really are quite big compared to the plant. Sadly, my plant isn't fragrant at all, not even at night...

I have never detected fragrance from mine... but Camille reports that it is fragrant in the hours just before dawn and goes away as soon as the sun appears. Hours when I'm still tucked in bed, very asleep.

[alfrsa]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I have never detected fragrance from mine... but Camille reports that it is fragrant in the hours just before dawn and goes away as soon as the sun appears. Hours when I'm still tucked in bed, very asleep.

Thank you, Roberta and Camille! Since I have to wake up early tomorrow I'll check for fragrance before the sun rises.

It's quite a narrow time period for it to attract a pollinator, isn't it? Maybe the actual "functional" fragrance is an insect pheromone undetectable by people... I couldn't find any information about which animal pollinates this genus.

[camille1585]

I may have an oddball plant which just happens to be fragrant. Unfortunately I don't get to experience the fragrance this year. It's blooming nearly a month later than previous years and when I get up a 6am it's already light outside....

[alfrsa]

Originally Posted by camille1585

I may have an oddball plant which just happens to be fragrant. Unfortunately I don't get to experience the fragrance this year. It's blooming nearly a month later than previous years and when I get up a 6am it's already light outside....

Today I got up at 6:30am and I immediately noticed a light hyacinth and baby powder scent - it was the L. bicolor! It wasn't a very strong smell, but it filled the room. It's as you said, Camille, as the sun was just barely up. It seems the flowers had to mature a week further before trying to attract a pollinator.

[camille1585]

Great that you also got to experience the fragrance!! I'll go sniff mine next time I get up to use the toilet during the night. Sun is up at 5:45 at this time of year so I'm not getting up at 5am just for that!