Psychopsis – Butterfly Orchid – orchid

Description

Psychopsis – Butterfly Orchid – There are about 5 species of small, evergreen , epiphytic orchids in this genus. They occur from lowland to mountainous forest, at altitudes of up to 3,250′ feet, in Central America, South America, and Trinidad. They have compressed, clusters, oval pseudobulbs, and solitary, semi rigid, oblong-elliptic leaves, which are mottled dark green and dull purple. Butterfly like flowers are borne over a long period in long, slender, few flowered, jointed racemes , occasionally singly, from the base of each pseudobulbs. Intermediate growing orchids (see intro.). Grow epiphytically on slabs of bark or cork, pot culture in not advise. Throughout the year, provide full light and high humidity, and water sparingly. During summer, mist rather than water. Prone to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.