Leptotes bicolor - Small, and easy-to-grow.

Botanical Name: Leptotes bicolor

Common Name: Bicolored Leptotes

Leptotes bicolor grows on trees in subtropical forests near the coast from southern Brazil to Paraguay between 500 to 900 meters. The plants are miniature in size. Overall, the plant resembles a miniture Brassavola nodosa in appearance. The leaves of Leptotes bicolor are thick, fleshy, and pencil-like. The pseudobulbs are covered in dry sheaths and are cylindrical. The leaf has a grove on the top side.

Flowers are small and white with a colored lip. The flowers bloom in late winter or early spring. Sometimes well-grown plants bloom in the spring and fall.

Grow Leptotes bicolor mounted on tree fern or cork bark. Provide bright light (brighter than Cattleya light) and high humidity. Water frequently to keep it from drying out completely. They rapidly form small clumps when their needs are met.

Large specimens grown on tree fern or cork plaques or rafts are frequently seen at orchid shows in the late winter and early spring. Impressive.

See www.cattleyaorchidsource.com for more information about the genus Leptotes and more orchid species.