Overview of Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, non Lindl.
Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, non Lindl. is a species of flowering plants in the Orchidaceae family. The plant is commonly known as the 'Thick-stalked Pleurothallis'.
Appearance of Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, non Lindl.
The plant is a small epiphyte that grows up to 4-5 centimeters. It has a single erect, terete, and thick stalk. The leaves of this species are succulent, leathery, and have a deep green color. Its flowers are yellowish-green to green in color, with a brownish-purple lip. The flowers are arranged in raceme-like inflorescences that grow laterally along the stem. The inflorescences can have up to 20 or more flowers each.
Origin of Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, non Lindl.
Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, non Lindl. is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It can be found growing in the cloud forests of these regions, usually at altitudes between 1000 to 2000 meters. The plant is well adapted to high humidity and lower light conditions. It is often found growing on the branches of trees or on mossy rocks in shaded areas.
Uses of Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, non Lindl.
The plant is primarily grown as an ornamental houseplant. It is valued for its unique appearance and the ease of cultivation. Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, non Lindl. is suitable for terrariums and vivariums, as it can tolerate high humidity and low light conditions. The plant is also used for hybridization in breeding programs, as it offers a wide range of potential traits that can be passed on to its offspring.
Growth Conditions for Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson
Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson is a beautiful epiphytic orchid with intricate and delicate-looking flowers. To ensure its healthy growth, here are the typical growth conditions that you need to provide:
Light
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and flowers. Therefore, it's best to provide filtered light, such as through a sheer curtain or by placing the plant nearby a north-facing window.
Temperature
Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson prefers a warm and humid environment, ideally between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit (15-24 degrees Celsius). Keeping the plant in a room with sustained temperatures outside this range can stunt its growth and damage its health.
Air Circulation
As an epiphytic orchid, Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson needs good air circulation to thrive. It can easily develop fungal infections if the air is stagnant, so place a small fan nearby the plant to encourage air flow.
Humidity
This orchid likes high humidity. A humidity level of 50-70% is ideal, but it can adapt to lower levels if necessary. Always avoid leaves drying out, especially during the heat season - spraying the plant with filtered or distilled water once per day might help.
Soil
Given its epiphytic roots, Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson doesn't require soil. Instead, it thrives in a well-draining growing medium, such as bark or sphagnum moss. When potting your orchid, it's essential to ensure that the roots are snug in the pot without being packed too tightly.
If you provide optimal conditions of light, temperature, air circulation, humidity, and soil, then Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson will thrive and reward you with its stunning blooms.
Cultivation
Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, non Lindl. is a small orchid species that is relatively easy to cultivate. The plant needs bright and indirect light, which can be provided by keeping it near a north-facing window or placing it under fluorescent lighting. The temperature requirements range between 10°C to 25°C. However, it can tolerate slightly higher temperatures for short periods if necessary.
The plant can be grown in a mixture of sphagnum moss and fine bark. A small amount of charcoal can also be added to the mixture. Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, non Lindl. grows well in small pots or mounted on a piece of bark or a hanging basket. Whatever pot or container is used needs to have good drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Watering Needs
Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, non Lindl. requires constant moisture, but not waterlogged soil. Watering should be done regularly, about once a week or when the top inch of the growing medium is dry. The plant needs to be watered gently so that the water can seep through the growing medium. If it is mounted, spray it with water at least twice a day.
Fertilization
Feeding the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month is crucial. Orchid specific fertilizers, which have less nitrogen, are recommended. Fertilizing should be done during the growing season in spring and summer when the plant is producing new growth. Care should be taken not to overfertilize, as this can lead to salt accumulation and leaf burn. Watering the plant before applying fertilizer can help reduce the risk of burning the roots.
Pruning
Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, non Lindl. needs occasional pruning to keep it in good condition. Dried and yellowing leaves can be removed to maintain the plant's appearance. Any dead or rotting roots should be trimmed and removed to avoid the spread of disease. Pruning should be done using sterilized tools to prevent contamination.
Propagation of Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson
Pleurothallis crassipes can be propagated vegetatively through division and by using keikis.
Division
Plants should be divided when the pot becomes overcrowded or when the plant has produced several pseudobulbs. The rhizomes should be carefully cut apart with a sterile tool, and each division should have at least three healthy pseudobulbs. These divisions can be potted individually in small pots with the appropriate potting mix.
Keikis
Pleurothallis crassipes also produces keikis, which are small plantlets that emerge from along the stem of the plant. These plantlets can be carefully removed and planted in individual pots with well-draining potting mix. It is important to keep the keikis warm and humid until they are well-established in their new pots.
Propagation by seed is also possible, however, it is much more difficult, and success rates are very low. It is not a recommended method for the average plant enthusiast.
Disease Management
There are a few common diseases that might affect Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause blackening of the stem and leaves, as well as leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant material and avoid overhead watering to minimize humidity levels.
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: This bacterial disease causes small, water-soaked lesions on leaves, which eventually turn yellow or brown. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and treat plants with a copper-based fungicide.
- Root Rot: This fungal disease is a common problem in plants with poorly-draining soil and overwatering. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Pest Management
There are a few common pests that might affect Pleurothallis crassipes sensu Britt. & Wilson, including:
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause webbing and yellowing of leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a gentle stream of water and treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These small, white pests feed on plant sap, causing leaves to yellow and become distorted. To manage mealybugs, remove visible bugs with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol and treat plants with an insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These tiny, flying insects can cause silvering of leaves and distorted growth. To manage thrips, remove infected plant material and treat plants with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
