Contents
Description
Ponthieva Racemosa, commonly known as the raceme ponthieva, is a species of orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, including Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru. This terrestrial orchid grows up to 30 cm tall and usually blooms from November to March.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Ponthieva |
| Species | Racemosa |
Appearance
Ponthieva Racemosa has a rather unique appearance compared to other orchids. It has a single, basal leaf that is up to 20 cm long and 6 cm wide. The leaf is usually green and elliptical in shape with a pointed tip. The inflorescence is a dense raceme that can have up to 30 small flowers. Each flower is around 1 cm in diameter and has a yellowish-green color with purple spots. The lip of the flower is concave, and there are two small petals and a much larger dorsal sepal.
Care Guide
To care for Ponthieva Racemosa, you should provide it with moderate amounts of water and fertilization. The soil should be well-draining but rich in organic matter. It prefers bright but indirect sunlight and is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ponthieva Racemosa is prone to several pests and diseases, including spider mites, thrips, and fungal infections. To prevent these issues, make sure to keep the plant clean and provide adequate ventilation. If you notice any signs of pests or disease, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Ponthieva Racemosa is commonly found in moist, shady areas such as rainforests, cloud forests, and wetlands. It grows at altitudes of up to 2000 meters above sea level and is often found growing in association with other plants such as mosses and ferns.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ponthieva Racemosa a difficult orchid to grow?
A: Ponthieva Racemosa is not particularly difficult to grow, but it does require specific care conditions to thrive.
Q: Can Ponthieva Racemosa be grown in a terrarium?
A: Yes, Ponthieva Racemosa can be grown in a terrarium as long as it has enough space to grow and adequate light and humidity.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Ponthieva Racemosa?
A: You should fertilize Ponthieva Racemosa once a month during the growing season and reduce fertilization during the dormant season.
Q: How long does it take for Ponthieva Racemosa to bloom?
A: It usually takes about 2-3 years for Ponthieva Racemosa to reach maturity and start blooming.
Related Plants
- Ponthieva allenii
- Ponthieva biflora
- Ponthieva brittoniae
- Ponthieva chocoensis
References
- Flora of Ecuador. (n.d.). Ponthieva racemosa. Flora of Ecuador. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=50&taxon_id=242410872
- Orchids of the Brazilian Amazon. (n.d.). Ponthieva racemosa. Orchids of the Brazilian Amazon. http://www.orchidstudium.com.br/orchidaceae/ponthieva-racemosa
- Sanchez-Ruiz, A. (2011). Ponthieva racemosa. IOSPE PHOTOS. http://www.orchidspecies.com/ponthievaracemosa.htm
