Overview
Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana is a small orchid species that belongs to the Lepanthes genus of the Orchidaceae family. It is unique for its attractive and colorful appearance, as well as its peculiar flowers. Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana is found in a few locations in Colombia, including the Eastern Cordillera and the Andes Mountains.
Appearance
Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana is a miniature orchid that reaches up to 8-10 cm in height. It has small, glossy leaves that are arranged in a basal rosette. The leaves are usually light green with purple spots, which give them a distinctive appearance. The flowers of Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana are small, bright yellow, with a reddish-purple lip. They are borne on thin stems that arise from the base of the plant. The flowers are usually only a few millimeters wide and have a hood-like structure.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known by its scientific name Lepanthes veleziana or Velez's Lepanthes. However, it may also be called the "Golden Yellow Lepanthes" due to the bright coloration of its flowers.
Uses
Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana is mainly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens or greenhouses. Due to its small size and attractive appearance, it is usually grown in terrariums or mounted on pieces of bark or cork. However, this plant is not widely available in nurseries or garden centers, and it may be difficult to find.
Growth Conditions for Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana
As an epiphytic orchid, Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana prefers a specific set of environmental conditions for optimal growth and survival. Some of these factors include:
Light
Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana prefers low to moderate light levels, similar to those found in its natural habitat under the forest canopy. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can burn the plant's delicate leaves and damage the tissue. Indirect light, either from a nearby window or through the shade of other plants, is ideal.
Temperature
Temperature is another important factor for the growth of Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana. This orchid prefers a warm and humid environment, with temperatures ranging between 20°C to 25°C during the day, and slightly cooler temperatures (18°C to 20°C) at night. Extreme fluctuations in temperature should be avoided, as they can stress the plant and lead to poor growth.
Air Circulation
Good air circulation is essential for the growth of Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana. This orchid thrives in areas with high humidity levels. However, poor air circulation can lead to mold and fungal growth, which can eventually harm or kill the plant. To ensure good air circulation, place the plant in an area where there is a gentle breeze, such as near an open window or a fan.
Soil Requirements
As an epiphytic orchid, Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana doesn't require soil. Instead, it grows on other plants, such as tree branches, in its natural habitat. In cultivation, this orchid can be grown in a pot or a basket filled with a substrate that mimics the natural environment, such as sphagnum moss, tree fern fiber, or a mix of both. It's important that the substrate is well-draining and able to hold moisture, without becoming waterlogged.
By controlling these growth conditions, you can help Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana thrive and grow into a beautiful, healthy plant.
Cultivation Method
Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana is a relatively easy orchid species to cultivate. It thrives in a humid, warm, and well-ventilated environment and typically needs high shade or 65-80% shading. To cultivate this plant, you will need a well-draining potting mix and a container that drains adequately.
A mix of coconut husk chips, sphagnum moss, and fine bark chips is a good substrate that can provide ample drainage and air exchange while keeping the medium moist. When planting, choose a container that provides enough space for roots to grow and leaves to spread but also snug enough to hold the plant upright. You may opt for a plastic or clay pot or even a wooden or cork slab, depending on your preference.
Watering Needs
As with most orchids, Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana requires constant moisture to survive. However, you need to be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot or fungal infections. In general, water the plant weekly or when the potting medium is almost dry.
If humidity levels are low or during hot weather conditions, you may need to moisten the leaves or root system between watering to maintain moisture levels. It's also essential to avoid wetting the leaves at night as this can lead to bacterial or fungal growth. Instead, water the plants in the early morning to allow time for evaporation before nightfall.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and blooming, Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana needs a balanced fertilizer with low nitrogen and high phosphorus and potassium. Avoid fertilizers with urea or ammonia as they can damage the plant. You can use an orchid-specific fertilizer or a balanced (20-20-20) water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength every other week.
Fertilize the plant after watering to prevent fertilizer burn, and avoid contact with the foliage. You may also choose to apply a foliar fertilizer to provide essential nutrients to the plant's leaves. However, be sure to avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to leaf damage, salt build-up, and other issues.
Pruning
Pruning Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana is generally minimal. However, you should prune off the dead flowers and leaves to keep the plant tidy and reduce the chances of bacterial or fungal infection. You can use a sterilized sharp pair of scissors or pruners to snip off dead foliage.
You may also prune off the stems once the plant has finished blooming, as this can promote new growth and blooming. Be sure to sterilize your pruning tools before use to avoid transmitting diseases.
Propagation of Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana
Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana, commonly known as the Veleziana orchid, can be propagated through various methods:
Division of pseudobulbs
The Veleziana orchid can be propagated through division of pseudobulbs. This involves carefully removing the plant from its pot and separating the pseudobulbs. Each division should have a few healthy pseudobulbs with leaves and roots. Plant each division in a separate pot, using a well-draining orchid mix. Water the plant regularly and keep it in a warm, humid place, away from direct sunlight.
Propagation through keikis
The Veleziana orchid can also be propagated from keikis, which are miniature replicas of the parent plant that grow on the stem. Keikis can be removed from the parent plant once they have developed roots and leaves. Plant the keikis in a separate pot using an orchid mix and keep them moist and in a warm, humid place, away from direct sunlight.
Propagation through seedlings
Propagation through seedlings is a more complicated process and requires a good understanding of orchid biology. The seeds of the orchid are very small and require specialized media and conditions to germinate. It is best to germinate the seeds in sterile conditions. The process can take several months for the seedlings to establish roots and begin growing. Seedlings require ample light, but not direct sunlight, and should be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
Disease Management for Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana
Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana is susceptible to various plant diseases, including bacterial and fungal infections. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is leaf spot caused by fungal pathogens. The leaf spots appear as small, circular, dark lesions on the leaves, which can spread to other parts of the plant if not managed.
To manage fungal diseases in Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana, it's essential to keep the plant dry by watering only when necessary, avoiding overhead watering, removing and destroying infected tissue, and applying fungicides as recommended by a horticulturist or plant pathologist.
Pest Management for Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana
Lepanthes veleziana Stimson var. veleziana is also susceptible to pest damage, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs usually form white cotton-like masses on the leaves and stems of the plant, while spider mites cause stippling, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. Scale insects, on the other hand, suck sap from the plant, causing its leaves to yellow and wilt.
To manage these pests, inspect the plant regularly for signs of infestation, isolate the infected plant from others to prevent the spread of pests, prune and destroy heavily infested parts of the plant, and apply appropriate insecticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
