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Species Orchid Cuitlauzina pulchella

Previously known as:

  • Odontoglossum pulchellum
  • Osmoglossum pulchellum
Phonetic Spelling
kweet-law-ZEE-nuh pul-CHEL-uh
Description

This orchid is native to higher elevations of South and Central America, most often found in humid forests.  Classified as a epiphytes, it is most commonly found growing on pine and oak trees.  A epiphytes is an organism that grows on the surface of another plant but is not parasitic.  It obtains its moisture and nutrients from its surroundings, not from the host plant.  

Being self-sufficient, this plant appears in the form of a pseudobulb, that is a pod-like structure that grows directly below the leaves.  These pods contain the nutrients and water that help to sustain the plant in times of adverse conditions, similar to bulbs that are planted below the soil.

In cultivation, it is typically grown as a container plant in partial shade with bright light available.  Cool to intermediate temperatures are ideal.  Your potting mix should be a mixture of medium fir bark with added perlite or charcoal along with tree fern fibers.  Water should be provided when the soil dries.  The winter months should include a dry out period.

Seeds can be collected by breaking open the pods after allowing them to dry out on the plant. 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#epiphytic#herbaceous#tropical perennials#herbaceous perennial#orchid#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#epiphytic#herbaceous#tropical perennials#herbaceous perennial#orchid#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cuitlauzina
    Species:
    pulchella
    Family:
    Orchidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Mexico to Nicaragua
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The pod-like structure grows below the leaves and contains seed.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    A raceme of up to 16" will contain 2 to 8 white flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Grass like foliage.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Rock Garden
    Shade Garden
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Humidity