Cuitlauzina pendula

[smweaver]

This is an uncommon high-altitude Mexican species that produces pendulous spikes of highly fragrant pink blooms in the late winter/early spring months. This year my plant's producing three spikes, the longest of which is over 2 feet so far.

It likes cool winters, but I've found that it will also tolerate intermediate temperatures during its winter rest period, when it likes to be grown in bright light with very little water. Warm/hot summers are tolerated during the growing season, as long as the plant is provided with bright indirect light and watered heavily.

I've read that this species is prone to terminating its spikes and/or blasting its buds if it's watered too early, but I haven't experienced that problem with my plant. I start watering it as soon as spikes appear. The only problem now is taking the thing over to the bathtub to water it, while trying to avoid whacking the spikes on furniture along the way. I'll post some more photos once the blooms have opened.

Steve

Cuitlauzina pendula | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Cuitlauzina pendula | Flickr - Photo Sharing!