Overview
Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f. is a small-sized terrarium orchid that belongs to the Pleurothallis genus. It is commonly known as Urban's Pleurothallis and was named after the German botanist, Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach.
Origin and Habitat
Urban's Pleurothallis is indigenous to Central and South American countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela. It thrives best in tropical and subtropical climates with high humidity levels, and it typically grows on moss-covered rocks and tree trunks in the forest canopy.
Appearance
Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f. is a miniature epiphyte that grows up to 10-15 cm in height. The plant forms clumps by producing slender and upright stems with a high number of leaves. The leaves are thin, ovate or lanceolate, and measure about 1.5-2.5 cm in length. They have a dark green color and feature whitish veins that run parallel to the margins. The flowers bloom virtually year-round and arise in clusters of up to five. They are tiny, measuring about 1 cm in diameter, and present an overall yellowish or pinkish-purple hue.
Uses
Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f. is mainly grown as an ornamental plant because of its attractive appearance and ability to flower year-round. It is popular among terrarium enthusiasts because of its small size, which makes it suitable for small-growing spaces. Additionally, it is valued as a species suitable for naturalistic and jungle-type terrarium setups, as it requires high humidity levels and indirect bright light.
Light Requirements
Pleurothallis urbaniana is a low light orchid. It prefers bright shade that is sheltered from direct sunlight. Florescent or LED lights can also be used to supplement light levels.
Temperature Requirements
This orchid prefers moderate temperatures. The daytime temperature should range from 16-24°C (61-75°F) and the nighttime temperature should not drop below 13°C (55°F). It is very important to maintain consistent temperatures to encourage proper growth of the plant.
Air Humidity Requirements
Pleurothallis urbaniana prefers high humidity levels. The humidity should be maintained between 60%-80%. This orchid should be misted regularly and placed in a humid environment.
Soil Requirements
This orchid prefers a moist, well-draining potting mix. A mix of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite can be used. It is important to not let the soil completely dry out between watering. Frequent watering is necessary to maintain proper growth of the orchid.
Cultivation Methods
Cultivating Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f. requires a warm and humid environment. The orchid thrives in an intermediate to warm temperature range and requires moderate light intensity. The plant prefers to grow in moderately moist conditions with adequate air circulation. A well-draining substrate, such as a mixture of sphagnum moss and fine bark chunks, is recommended for potting.Watering Needs
In terms of watering, Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f. prefers to stay slightly moist at all times. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so avoiding waterlogging is important. The frequency of watering should be determined by the moisture level of the substrate and surrounding environment. The ideal approach is to water the orchid in the morning, allowing time for excess moisture to evaporate during the day.Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and blooming, Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f. benefits from regular fertilization. Using a balanced orchid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season can help support the plant's nutrient needs. However, it is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to an accumulation of salt in the substrate and damage to the roots.Pruning
Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f. typically doesn't require much pruning apart from removing any dead or damaged leaves or stems. However, it is important to keep an eye out for the plant's natural growth patterns and adjust its position or support if necessary to ensure optimal growth. If the orchid becomes too large for its pot, it may need to be repotted to provide more space to grow.Propagation of Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f.
Propagation is a crucial step in propagating Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f., a small orchid species native to South America. The following are some of the propagation methods that can be used to increase the number of plants:
Division
Division is one of the most common propagation methods used for Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f. It involves dividing the plant into multiple parts, each with leaves and roots. During the division, it is essential to make sure that each division has a sufficient number of roots to support it. The divisions are then potted separately and placed in a suitable environment where they can thrive.
Cutting
Cutting propagation involves taking a piece of stem, leaves, and roots from the parent plant and placing it in a rooting hormone. The cutting is then planted in a suitable potting mix, misted regularly, and kept moist until it forms roots. The newly formed roots will support the growth of a new plant. Cutting is an excellent propagation method for Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f., allowing for the production of multiple, genetically identical plants.
Keiki
Keiki propagation is a propagation method that involves encouraging the growth of a keiki or an offshoot from the parent plant. To do this, the parent plant is encouraged to produce a keiki by providing it with the appropriate growing environment. Once the keiki has developed at least two or three leaves and roots, it can be detached from the parent plant and potted separately.
Seed
Seed propagation is a propagation method that involves growing new plants from seeds. To propagate Pleurothallis urbaniana Reichenb. f. from seed, the seeds must be collected when ripe and sown in a suitable potting mix. The mix should be kept moist and placed in an environment that provides the necessary temperature and humidity for germination. Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Disease and Pest Management for Pleurothallis urbaniana
Pleurothallis urbaniana is a beautiful, epiphytic orchid species native to South America. Like any other plant, it is not immune to diseases and pests that could affect its growth and well-being. The following are some common diseases and pests that might affect Pleurothallis urbaniana and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Pleurothallis urbaniana is prone to fungal diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Fungal diseases often occur due to overwatering or high humidity levels. To manage fungal diseases, avoid watering the plant too frequently and ensure good air circulation around it. You can also apply a fungicide to the affected areas to control the spread of the disease.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases such as brown spot and bacterial soft rot affect the leaves and stem of Pleurothallis urbaniana. These diseases usually occur due to poor air circulation and overcrowding. To manage bacterial diseases, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and has enough space for proper air circulation. Discard any infected plant parts and treat the plant with a bactericide.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny spider-like pests that suck the sap out of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage spider mites, isolate the affected plant immediately. You can also wipe the plant's leaves with a damp cloth or spray it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that attach themselves to the plant's leaves and stem, sucking its sap. To manage scale insects, you can remove them manually with a cotton swab or spray the plant with horticultural oil or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, waxy-looking pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing it to wilt and die. To manage mealybugs, wipe the plant's leaves with a damp cloth or spray it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Pleurothallis urbaniana remains healthy and disease-free.
