Description
Porroglossum muscosum, the “mossy porroglossum” (referring to the fuzzy peduncle), is my favorite Porroglossum. I already love porroglossums for their beautiful pebbly foliage, but Porroglossum muscosum further impresses with amazing wine color on the backs of the leaves. And who cares about the flowers when the peduncles are so cute and fuzzy? This is a seriously gorgeous plant. Plants are vigorous growers and do great in terrariums, as well but don’t like to be too warm.
These plants are mounted and very mature.
Temp: cool-intermediate
Light: moderate to low
Water: evenly moist
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.
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