Orchid of the day: Leptotes pohlitinocoi

Leptotes pohlitinocoi

Leptotes pohlitinocoi is a Brazilian orchid that was discovered as late as 2004. Its name pohlitinocoi is the quite difficult-to-remember result of the combination of two Brazilian orchid enthusiasts, Pohli and Tinoco.  Arne's success with Leptotes bicolor made him look for other Leptotes species that he could grow up to specimen size.

Still, pohlitinocoi has somewhat smaller flowers and each growth will only produce one or two flowers in contrast to our Leptotes bicolor 'Khairul Bariah', which produces up to five-flowered stems.  Nevertheless, the flowers of pohlitinocoi, are more colorful and Arne believes that with excellent culture and care, this Leptotes pohlitinocoi, which he purchased in June 2015, will make this plant grand in some years. In fact, Arne bought this plant as a seedling and it has taken its time to grow and finally produced this three flowers.

Its culture is similar to that of bicolor, i.e. it needs to be mounted and given a bright place protected from direct sunlight.  Its natural habitat is quite dry subtropical to tropical jungle and it should therefore be watered only when it has dried out properly.

A) March 25. Three flower buds developing.

B) By April 3rd, the flowers had opened up showing the purple and white hues.

C) The three flowers upclose.

D) By April 17th, all flowers had opened.

E) A zoom of all three flowers.

Sadly, today we don't have the flowers anymore. They have all wilted but hopefully with care and patience, we will have more to share next year! Have a great Sunday and a good work week!