Leptotes bicolor

Also known as: Bicolored Leptotes or Tetramicra serrulata Leptotes bicolor h.f. alba Leptotes serrulata Leptotes bicolor var. serrulata Leptotes glaucophylla Leptotes bicolor var. glaucophylla in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Brazil Paraguay

General Information

Bicolored Leptotes is a miniature cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil and Paraguay.

Plant Description

Grows to 5-10cm. Each new growth has a single erect leaf that grows to 4-8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-2cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as vanillalike

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 41mm to 137mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 74% to 81%, highest in September and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 13C to 26C, highest in August (19C to 26C) and lowest in January (13C to 20C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.