Leptotes unicolour in flower

[RosieC]

I only bought this tiny guy a week ago so can't claim credit for the bloom as it had two buds already... but at least it didn't blast and I get to enjoy this tiny flower.

It's on a tiny mount (the tag is almost bigger than the mount) and is such a cute little plant.

It opened a couple of days ago, anyone know how long the flowers last on these, I didn't know if it would only be a couple of days and was worried if I would get pic but it stayed open at least long enough for that.

[Jeff9]

thats a very nice plant, i just looked up this great genus and it consists of only 6 species. they all grow moderately shaded and their flowers are large in comparison to the plant.

i think i will attempt to make a nanoviv with all 6 leptotes, it would be amazing.

[greenbean]

Nice one, Rosie! I have Leptotes bicolor, which is a little bigger than unicolor. Mine hasn't bloomed yet, but I still love it. These are such cool little orchids!

[trdyl]

Nice one Rosie! Can't really help you with your question though.

[camille1585]

Very pretty Rosie! Was this one you got at the show you went to? Can't help you with your question either, my Leptotes bicolor bloomed while I was away in the US. If unicolor is anything like bicolor, they put out quite a few growths in a season (my is still little but putting out about 4-6 new ones a year) and it will quickly outgrow the mount.

[RosieC]

Thanks everyone, I really love this cutie.

Camille, yes it's the one I got at the show just over a week ago. I was thinking it may outgrow this mount soon, depending on how fast it grows. It looks like it's been on it a long time, the roots are very firmly attached so it's definately not a new mount.

[Tom-DE]

Lovely species!

[nenella]

Very cute Rosie!

[RosieC]

Thanks Tom & Nenella.

Unfortunately I'm actually a bit worried about this plant now. I think it's getting too dry as the mount has no moss and it's now lost three leaves all on the same day (a couple of days ago).

I'm going to try draping a little moss arround the roots and tying it on. Just a tiny bit to try and keep a little more moisture in.

I've upped watering to twice a day but it's still bone dry when I come back to it (can't logisticly water more often).

I'm hoping that's what the problem is and that I can resolve it.

[RosieC]

My other thought is to wonder how picky this guy is on water quality.

Our tap water here is pretty good and most of my orchids do well with it, however I water my Masdies and Restrepia with rain water... problem is the rain water has been frozen solid since arround the time I bought this guy

I'm also completely unsure how much fertiliser to use on it, so hoping I've not over done that (or under done)