Porroglossum hystrix

Description

Porroglossum species are from the Andes in South America.  Although often listed as cool-growing, I have found they grow great in intermediate to warm conditions, as well.  In other words, they are quite temperature tolerant.  Porroglossums do not like to dry out completely, so you may choose to grow them mounted or potted as suits your watering needs.  Grow in intermediate light.

Porroglossum blooms successively on very long pedicels, and the flowers’ structure gives the genus its name.  The flower lip (-glossa), closes on visiting pollinators, trapping them long enough to ensure the pollinium becomes attached to the insect.  After a short time, the lip opens, and the insect is released to visit another flower and deliver the pollinium.  The other feature that sets this genus apart is the beautiful texture of the leaves.  These plants are lovely even when they are not in bloom.  They may be my favorite genus among the Pleurothallids.

Porroglossum hystrix, the bristly peduncle Porroglossum, is typical in form with bright green highly textured leaves.  The flowers are small and yellow-brown, slightly more narrow-petaled than common.  The peduncles (the stalk that holds up the flower) is really cool because it’s very hairy, and it is an interesting accent even after the flower is gone.  Plants are vigorous growers and do great in terrariums, as well.