Porroglossum portillae

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 portillae, named for the Portilla family of Ecuagenera fame, is typical in form with highly textured dark green leaves.  The flowers are showier than most Porroglossum species: a combination of purple petals and spotted yellow sepals. Plants are vigorous growers and do great in terrariums, as well.