Pteroceras longicalcareum in bloom

[Bud]

This species is endemic to the Philippines. Pteroceras longicalcareum are Phalaenopsoid, it means they resemble a Phalaenopsis. These plants will begin to flower when stems are about 4” long but will mature with stems 8” – 10” long. The spikes are pendant and can grow to be 6” – 12” long, yet I have seen some plants to grow as long as 24” + long. Flowers are short lived (1-2 days), but I was advised never to cut the spikes because the plant continue to produce flushes of flowers for many months and can produce 40-60 flowers overall. Each flush can carry 10 – 20 flowers each. The labellum has a long spur (longicalcareum means long spur) which is tipped dark purple or purple-brown and looks like a burnt matchstick. I wonder why a plant would spend energy to produce a flower that only lasts for a day or two. It is a phenomenon that I have often pondered over lately. I give this plant species Phalaenopsis culture.












I noticed that there is a new spike growing

[estación seca]

That is a neat plant.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by estación seca

That is a neat plant.

Thank You for the visit and your kind words !

[Bud]

I noticed that there are some stragglers that just bloomed today. And if you notice a couple of inches before the very tip of the spike there are more buds to open soon.