Lophiaris pumila

Also known as: The Dwarf Mule in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Argentina Bahia - Brazil Para - Brazil Sao Paulo - Brazil Uruguay

General Information

The Dwarf Mule is a miniature cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.

Plant Description

Grows to 12cm. Each new growth has a single thick erect, rigid leaf that grows to 1.6-12cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.3-0.5cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Winter and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Winter

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. 

Climate

The orchids are well adapted for hot weather, accompanied by sporadic, unpredictable rainfall and a generally dry climate. They can tolerate a lot of neglect as they are quite used to it, however they can be prone to underwatering and may collapse in cold, wet weather.

For this reason it's best to dedicate a sheltered, protected area for them where the watering can be controlled, such as a corner of a greenhouse or in a sheltered balcony. They can also do well hung near the roof of a shadehouse or sheltered greenhouse where they receive the extra heat but not as much water as other plants. 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 10mm to 145mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Temperature ranges from 12C to 29C, highest in August (19C to 29C) and lowest in January (12C to 24C).

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,