The Beautiful Cuitlauzina Cuitlauzina pulchella

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.