This species is grown by everyone who is interested in miniature orchids and by many who don't ordinarily show much interest in miniatures. It is popular for its easy culture - it grows like a weed - and for the clouds of tiny purple flowers it produces in the spring, though it will continue to produce flower spikes throughout the year. There seems to be only one clone of this plant in existence, since every plant I've seen is a division of the plant with the clonal name 'Stalky,' which I believe came from the collection of Phil and Anne Jessup.
The species comes from Venezuela and Columbia.
Lepanthopsis refers to the similarity between this genus and the genus
Lepanthes.
Astrophora, refers to the star-like shape of the flowers, which are indeed like little purple stars. The flowers are 4 mm in size and the plant about 8 cm tall. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and will soon grow into a specimen with hundreds, even thousands of flowers. When I received a cultural award on this plant it had 650 flowers and 70 buds on 70 flower spikes.
I'm interested in miniature orchids and I don't have this one...I guess I have a purchase to make!
ReplyDeleteThis is a must-have miniature, Justin. It shouldn't be too difficult to find. I've seen a number of dealers who have it, though I don't have any info handy at the moment (we are on our way to Rainier for some hiking).
ReplyDeleteohhh.. I love to have this "weed" in my garden.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to enjoy reading your blog and all your post on orchids here.
Thanks for sharing.
James from Garden Chronicles - Malaysia
How very nice to hear from you, James. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Am intrigued by your reference to Garden Chronicles. Is that a magazine?
ReplyDeleteI ended up purchasing one from J and L Orchids. I've ordered from them before and am quite happy with the quality of orchids I've received from them.
ReplyDeleteThey are almost always reliable and one gets excellent plants for a fair price. Glad you found one.
ReplyDelete