Leptotes bicolor

[Nancy]

I got tired of not having a mounted plant so I went out and bought one. Leptotes bicolor is a pretty little plant but there isn't a whole lot of information on it that I can find. I'm growing it on the warm side, misting it every day, and watering it once a week. It has one new growth coming. Any information on this plant will be appreciated.

[BillC]

Hi Nancy, promise I won't hijack this thread, some info:

A member of the Cattleya Alliance and closely related to Sophronitis, Leptotes are found in Brazil and Paraguay as cool to warm growing epiphytes--although some sources list them as intermediate. They have terete or stick-like leaves with large flowers for the size of the plant and are commonly grown mounted. If you are familiar with Brassavola nodosa, the Leptotes resemble a miniature B. nodosa. The species comes from tropical areas, so are best grown in humid conditions with a brief rest period after flowering. Well grown specimens will bloom both in the spring and fall with numerous inflorescences.

And a pic. All courtesy of BellaOnline

[Nancy]

Thank you. It really is a beautiful little plant. So I guess it's okay to fertilize it now given the conditions in which it is being grown. I think you gave a lot of people pleasure with the other post. Humor is something we all very badly need in this world. Thank you so much for giving me that, too.

[Ellen]

What a wonderful mounted plant to start with! You'll love it! I grow Leptotes bicolor, mounted on a cork slab with no moss, intermediate temperature, in cattleya light. The roots are absolutely amazing, some of the most vigorous of all the mounted plants that I have. I water it whenever the mount is completely dry - usually every one to two days in summer and less in winter. It can easily go for long periods without water, and doesn't really need misting. Enjoy it - I'm sure it's going to be very rewarding for you.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Hi Nancy. I make no distinction myself between watering and misting for my mounties. All get a good dousing of the spray from the hose end sprayer every day, as soaked as they can be. I don't put very much moss on the mount when a put the thing together, just a little, maybe something like a single layer, so that the mount will dry every day. Once the roots start to leave the moss and lock onto the bark, cork in most cases, I may remove some or all of the moss. Tree fern probably holds water longer, but I don't do anything different for them, but then I probably have a little lower average humidity than places not in the arid southwest, and I have a lot of air movement.

[Nancy]

I have several fans running in the orchid room so I don't think that will be a problem. It seems to be doing well on the tree fern. Instead of one growth coming it's looking more like three. Thank you all for the replies. Maybe this will be the orchid I get to take the picture of.

[Nancy]

I take it this is not a plant that blooms immediately after making a growth. Some of the growths have little white somethings that look like they are in limbo for now. Are these pre-spikes that will be triggered to grow when a change happens? For instance, a change in day length or warmer temperatures?

[Ellen]

Sounds like your plant is forming sheaths. Yes, these will eventually produce buds and flowers.

[Nancy]

Thanks for the info. One thing about tree fern is that I never get to see any roots. They don't spread like they do when mounted on bark. they more or less just bury themselves in the tree fern. I get the feeling the plant's doing okay. thanks for the encouragement.

[Nancy]

I was wondering if anyone could suggest another easy plant that does well on a mount. I was thinking about Brassavola Nodosa. Do you think this might be a good choice?

[Ellen]

Nancy, Brassavola nodosa does very well mounted. It's definitely worth a try.

[Nancy]

I already have Brassavola cordata but I may get nodosa too. I have two little spikes growing with tiny little buds on the end. The plant must be happy where it is. It's gotten to be rather funny looking, though. I have light from the window shining straight on and flourescent light shining down. The plant came from the greenhouse with all the growths growing gracefully downward. The growth it produced in my care is shooting straight up toward the light. I know it's nice and healthy, but it makes me laugh everytime I see it.

[kellyincville]

I have several Brassavola nodosa and cucullata mounted and they have been very easy for me. Two thumbs up!

[Nancy]

I still have only the one mounted plant. It's completed another growth and I think that this one may be trying to bloom as well. I'll probably only get one more mountee, so I'm going to be pretty selective about the next one. The greenhouse that I shop at does not have a lot of mounted plants unfortunately. I may buy the awarded Dendrobium they have. Keep me updated on your Leptotes and how it's growing.

[jerrymeola]

Bossovola do very well mounted. I mount hundreds of B Little Stars (nodosa x cordata) and a (B Little Stars x Maiki). You can probably find them easier at a lower price than the species. The Maiki cross especially grows like a weed.

[kmarch]

I had very good success with a mounted Encyclia tampense and Encyclia polybulbon (aka Dinema polybulbon).

[Nancy]

I may have to mount a plant myself. I don't have an Encyclia so I may look into those. Thanks for the suggestions.