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Genus that brings together hundreds of epiphytic orchids native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. They do not have pseudobulbs and usually appear as clumps of fleshy leaves of varying sizes between 10 and 50 cm, oval, elongated, most of the most appreciated species are very small and do not exceed 10-15 cm. In summer they produce small flowers, generally shaped like a bivalve shell, yellow, red, brown, white or pink, generally solitary or mated, on the apex of short stems that start from the base of the leaves; often the stems are so short that the flowers rest directly on the base of the leaves. Many species bloom throughout the year, some produce numerous flowers that bloom simultaneously; others produce numerous small flowers on long thin stems. P. cardiothallis has red flowers in summer, close to the base of the leaves. P. immersa is large and blooms several times a year, producing medium-sized yellow flowers, with flowers reclined on the outside of the leaves.
Pleurohallis orchids need medium-bright positions, they must never be exposed to direct sunlight which could cause the leaves to burn and compromise the regular growth of the plant. Their natural environment of development is situated on the Andean chains, therefore they prefer lower temperatures compared to many other varieties of orchids; the optimal summer temperature is around 20-25 ° C, while the winter temperature must remain between 10 and 15 ° C.
To develop in the best way pleurothallis like a constantly moist, but not soaked soil; frequently spray the leaves with distilled water to increase the environmental humidity. Throughout the year, provide fertilizer for orchids dissolved in the water of the watering every 30-35 days, using a halved dose compared to that recommended on the package of the fertilizer itself.
These orchids are all epiphytes, so they grow without soil but develop on the bark of other plants, to create the ideal habitat to allow their development, the substrate must consist of shredded bark, sphagnum moss and other incoherent material; given the often small size this genus of orchids are particularly suited to be grown on large pieces of bark, which act simultaneously as a substrate and a container.
The multiplication of the Pleurohallis orchid occurs by dividing the clumps of leaves, making sure to maintain a vigorous root for each portion produced, so as to favor the rapid establishment of the new plant, which is immediately placed in a single container.
Pleurothallis: Pests and diseases
As for pests and diseases that could affect the plant, pay particular attention to root rot and scale insects, certainly the "calamities" to be feared if you have a pleurothallis. To eliminate the problem, use alcohol-soaked cotton to remove the parasites if the plant is affected in a limited way; instead prefer specific pesticide products when the cochineal is spread evenly over the whole plant.