Paphiopedilum

Commonly known as "lady slipper" orchids, these are some of the most regal and sought after species in the orchid family. Most are very easy to grow and their blooms last a long time. The majority grow as lithophytes and semi-terrestrials in nature, and do well in semi-terrestrial mixes in cultivation.

Cultivation: Temperature requirements vary, though most do well in intermediate to warm conditions, and light requirements are generally low to moderate (strap leaf species tend to want slightly brighter light than the tesselate leaved varieties).

Potting mixes for Paphs consist of varying combinations of fine bark chips, osmunda fiber, perlite or rock wool, sphagnum moss, and often a small amount of sand and leaf mold.

Paphiopedilum gratrixianum

Native range is from India to Laos.

A sort of "gracilis" form, but I don't know whether it has ever been formally described. This lighter colored, thin form is pretty uncommon. The leaves (see image at left) are thinner than usual, too.

Flowers are extremely long lived. They last for up to three and a half months.

Grow intermediate to warm, bright to moderate light, slightly moist.

Paphiopedilum Magic Lantern

mature plant

Pleurothallis

An incredibly large and diverse group of mostly small plants. Many produce bizarre flowers that look like insects, spiders, or space aliens from who-knows-where. Taxonomy can be problematical at times, and revisions have been frequent in the past 20 years (and are likely to continue as the classification system is refined to make more sense of this "lump" genus). Masdevallia, Dracula, Trisetella, Platystele, Barbosella, Dresslerella, Restrepia, Zootrophion, and a score of other genera were all once clumped into this mega-genus... over time Dr. Luer has been continually sorting and reorganizing this neotropical conglomerate, a process sure to continue for many years to come. But don't let that scare you off... regardless of what you call them, they are fun to grow and very rewarding, since most species flower both prolifically and often. These are a particularly good choice for the grower with limited cultivation space, since most will bloom in a 2" pot (many will do so on a piece of cork the size of your thumbnail), allowing you to assemble an interesting and varied collection in a minimal space.

Cultivation: Temperature requirements vary, though most do well in intermediate to cool conditions, and light requirements are generally low to moderate. Moisture requirements are almost always high, and sphagnum moss is used to pot (or serve as a bed when mounting) most species. Since they are often wet, and the temperature may be cool, excellent and vigorous air movement is essential to ward off fungi and bacterial problems.

Potting mixes for Pleuros consist of varying combinations of fine bark chips, osmunda fiber, tree fern or cork mounting slabs, and sphagnum moss. Sphagnum is by far and away the most commonly used medium.

Pleurothallis tarantula

A relatively new species, recently discovered. Described by Dr. Luer in 1996.

Native to Ecuador and Colombia at elevations of 1500 to 1900 meters as a cool growing epiphyte.

Elliptical leaves are up to 8 inches long, borne on 8" to 10" upright stalks. Inflorescences arise from the base of the leaf. Each leaf will produce two to four inflorescenses.

Flowers freely throughout the year. Does best on the cooler side of intermediate, with frequent waterings (let dry ever so slightly between waterings). Moderate light.

• SPMN = specimen plant with multiple blooming size growths
• BS = blooming size, will flower at next appropriate flowering season for that plant
• NBS = near blooming size, may flower at next season for that plant
• L SDL = large seedling, 1-2 years until blooming size
• SDL =  seedling, 2+ years until blooming size

Plants with a perfume bottle next to their name are fragrant.

• Cool to Intermediate = 48°F min. to 78°F max.
• Intermediate to Cool = 52°F min. to 80°F max.
• Intermediate = 55°F min. to 85°F max.
• Intermediate to Warm = 58°F min. to 88°F max.
• Warm = 65°F min. to 95°F max.

• Moist = water often; do not let dry completely
• Slightly Moist = 2-3 waterings per week; let dry slightly between waterings; in warm weather water daily (possibly more than once)
• Slightly dry = 1-2 waterings per week; let dry entirely between waterings
• Dry = 1 watering per week or less; let dry completely for a couple days or longer between waterings

Some orchids require seasonal differences. These are designated by growing season first/dormant season second.