Pleurothallis dressleri
Also known as: Dressler's Pleurothallis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Panama
General Information
Dressler's Pleurothallis is a warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Panama. It is named after the American Orchid Botanist in Panama.
Plant Description
Each new growth has numerous erect oblong shaped leaves. The plant can form a mat over time
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Medium
- Small
- Bark
- Charcoal
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
Climate
Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 23mm to 249mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 71% to 86%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 19C to 28C, highest in March (20C to 28C) and lowest in January (19C to 25C).
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 dehydrationFertiliser
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.
Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. 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
Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Tree trunks or Fern slabs. Repotting is best done annually and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.
