Leptotes bicolor, color — *Leptotes bicolor*, color

Orchids of Winter: Leptotes bicolor

Leptotes bicolor (Lindley 1833) is one of the easiest to grow miniature orchids from Brazil. My plant grows as an epiphyte in a 2" mesh pot containing medium fir bark topped with sphagnum moss. During winter, it lives in a plant room that provides 14 hours of light at 70-75% humidity and temperature that goes from 75 F during the day to 65 at night. I spray it every other day with RODI water to keep the medium damp.

I've had this plant for two years and expected it to bloom in very late spring or early summer, but it surprised me by producing 8 or so buds over the last weeks, with the first of them opening in this beautiful bloom 3 days ago. Certainly a nice flower to have during the cold, windy March we have had thus far.

This photograph was taken with a Canon 100mm macro lens plus extension rings. Lighting was provided by a Yongnuo YN568 II speedlight flashed through a diffusing screen. I processed the image in Lightroom and Photoshop prior to uploading it to this blog.

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Best wishes,

Bob