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Description
Prosthechea Pseudopygmaea, also known as the Dwarf Butterfly Orchid, is a unique and beautiful plant that is native to Guatemala and Honduras. This orchid is a miniature epiphyte that grows to be about 2-3 inches tall and 5-6 inches wide. The plant blooms in the winter and spring, producing small, fragrant flowers that are about 1 inch wide. The flowers are typically yellow or green, with a small red or purple spot in the center.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Prosthechea |
Appearance
The Prosthechea Pseudopygmaea is a small but striking plant that is sure to catch the eye of any plant lover. The plant has a compact growth habit and produces a rosette of leaves that are about 1 inch wide and 2-3 inches tall. The leaves are dark green in color and have a glossy, waxy texture.The flowers of the Prosthechea Pseudopygmaea are the highlight of the plant. They are small, fragrant, and come in shades of yellow and green with a small red or purple spot in the center. The flowers are about 1 inch wide and appear in clusters at the top of the plant.
Care Guide
The Prosthechea Pseudopygmaea is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a great choice for beginners. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:Water: Water your Dwarf Butterfly Orchid once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter. Make sure the potting mix is well-draining and never let the plant sit in standing water.Fertilization: Feed your Prosthechea Pseudopygmaea with a balanced orchid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: Use a well-draining orchid potting mix for your Dwarf Butterfly Orchid.Sunlight: This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves and flowers.Hardiness Zones: The Prosthechea Pseudopygmaea is hardy to USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Prosthechea Pseudopygmaea is relatively pest and disease-free, but there are a few things to watch out for. Some common pests that can affect this plant include spider mites and mealybugs. To prevent these pests, make sure to keep your plant clean and free of dust and debris. If you do notice pests on your plant, treat it with an insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The Prosthechea Pseudopygmaea is native to the rainforests of Guatemala and Honduras. It is an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants and trees. In its natural habitat, this plant grows in warm, humid conditions and gets plenty of indirect sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Prosthechea Pseudopygmaea?
A: Water your plant once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter.Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Dwarf Butterfly Orchid?
A: Use a balanced orchid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Q: Can I grow my Prosthechea Pseudopygmaea in direct sunlight?
A: No, this plant prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and flowers.Q: What are some common pests that can affect my Dwarf Butterfly Orchid?
A: Spider mites and mealybugs are common pests that can affect this plant.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants in the Prosthechea genus:
- Prosthechea cochleata (Cockleshell Orchid)
- Prosthechea fragrans (Fragrant Orchid)
- Prosthechea radiata (Star Orchid)
References
- “Prosthechea Pseudopygmaea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e906.
- “Prosthechea.” Orchids Made Easy, 22 Oct. 2020, www.orchidsmadeeasy.com/prosthechea/.
- “Prosthechea.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosthechea.
