Pabstia viridis
 

Pabstia viridis (former Colax viridis) thrives in the humid forests of the Southeast region of Brazil. Its distinctive characteristic is the triangular mid-lobe of the lip.

That's a very interesting plant, Mauro. I hadn't heard of it before now. The leaves remind of a Gongora's. Do you know if this species is closely related to any of the plants in that genus?

Steve

I was wondering the exact same thing! Ive never heard of this species (or genus for that matter!). Could you give us a quick background??

To add to these questions, does it have a fragrance? Looks like it should.

Kim

Steve, the leaves are similar, but that's all. Pabstia is closely related to Zygopetalum and form with it some very interesting hybrids, so far known as Zygopabstia (or Zygocolax for the older of us!). No scent, at least during the day. At night, I didn't have the curiosity to check out yet, but I'm doing it tonight.

:shock:
I can't believe I almost missed this one!

Very cool plant...I had never heard of it before this either!
Thanks for the education, Mauro :clap:

I'm glad to help, Susanne!

Mauro, I have a Pabstia viridis that just began two new leads. I have unable to find anything on the culture. Will you help, please?

I understand that it is from the humid forests of the southeast. Does it come from near the mountains? What temperatures does it require?

My plant was originally from Alvim Seidel. It was very small on receipt over 2 years ago. I grow it in sphagnum moss. I will need to repot it next year.

Your help will be valuable!
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL209.../291879492.jpg

--Stitz--

Stitz, for a general view of the habitat I can say that Pabstia viridis occupy shady positions in the coastal mountains (Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo mainly), thriving from almost the level of the sea (150-200 meters) to the top of the mountains, which means more or less 1300 meters asl. In summer it is humid and hot, but the air movement is constant. In winter it is cold, especially at the top of the mountains (which is also the habitat of Sophronitis coccinea), the humidity drops by the lack of rain, but the ocean in front compensates it.
For comparison, I’d say the general conditions would be the same of Sophronitis coccinea, except for the light that should be much less intense.
I grow mine under the heavy shade of a chestnut tree along with some other cold lovers as Draculas and Masdevallias. There, the air movement is permanent and I water every other day in winter. In summer it rains almost every day, so I don’t have to worry. Because of this, my plant is in tree fern fiber, which allows free drainage.
Moss as a medium is a good choice if you have control of the water, I mean, if the plant is not in the weather like mine. Your plant looks good to me!
If I can be of any further help, let me know.