The Beautiful Cuitlauzina Cuitlauzina pulchella
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Odontoglossum pulchellum
- Osmoglossum pulchellum
- Phonetic Spelling
- kweet-law-ZEE-nuh pul-CHEL-uh
- Description
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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:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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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
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Epiphyte
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The pod-like structure grows below the leaves and contains seed.
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Rock Garden
- Shade Garden
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Humidity