leptotes-unicolor

All three representatives of this genus are beautiful,miniature orchids ,very popular with orchid collectors . The plants form sticklike pseudobulbs , each bearing a single thickned ,reddish leaf that is almost circular at its cross-section. The leaves and pseudobulbs together are up to 2.4 in / 6 cm long . The short flower spike bears two or three flowers that are 3-4 cm cross. Compared to the even more popular L.bicolor ,L.unicolor has monochromatic flowers -the color of the tepals can be either purple or white . Clusters of this plant mounted on wooden or bark supports are not very demanding in cultivtion :they thrive in a place with partial shade and good ventilation. In excessive shade , the plants extend too much and are prone to molding . Reduce watering and lower the temperature in the winter. The plant blooms between January and April and is native to Brazil.