Leptotes bicolor
bicolored leptotes
A miniature, clump-forming, epiphytic orchid up to 10cm tall with a single, deeply-grooved leaf, 4-8cm long. One to three fragrant flowers open successively from late winter into spring; flowers are relatively large, 3-5cm in diameter, and white with pinkish-purple markings on the lip
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | White Purple | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil to Paraguay
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in epiphytic orchid compost and from late spring to summer, in partial shade with good ventilation, day temperatures between 18-25°C and night above 10°C, water freely adding orchid fertiliser every third watering and provide high humidity by misting twice daily. Keep in well lit conditions from autumn to early spring and keep dry in winter. See indoor orchid cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division when the plant over-fills the pot
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required, cut down flowered stems as necessary
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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