Pleurothallid-l mailing list

[James Rassmann <rassmann541@msn.com>]

Dave,

I also have P. colossus and, like you, am growing it on the cool side. What temps constitute "cool" for you?

Jim Rassmann

> From: DavidHorak@bbg.org
> To: pleurothallid-l@lists.ibiblio.org
> Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:11:46 -0500
> Subject: Re: [pleurothallid-l] pleurothallid-l Digest, Vol 51, Issue 2
>
> We have Pleurothallis colossus here at the Garden (Brooklyn Botanic) which came from a collection bequeathed to us in 2008. This is a plant that came to the person as a division from Orq. del Valle at the WOC that year. It was a bit scraggly and divided into 3 pieces, two of which we retain and the third which went to another individual as a backup. Do we have extras? No, sorry folks and it won't be divided any time soon.
>
> Plths. praegrandis is considered a synonym for colossus. As far as I know, it is exceedingly rare in collections even if it isn't in nature. I know from talking with Juan Carlos and Andrea that they had been trying to propagate it from seed but were unable to get them past seedlings of a certain size before they would die. Every time I see them, they ask about it. I see that the species is offered on their current online pricelist.
>
> We have many of the large Pleuro/Stelis/Acronia here at BBG which grow quite well, quickly, and are getting quite large. The colossus, is the largest of the group in terms of height but it is much different in terms of how it grows. All of them are potted in straight fine bark, watered every day and fertilized regularly at the same rate as the rest of the collection. I don't consider these to be light feeders but then again I do water every day. The colossus is the exception by being exceptionally slow, only adding three or four growths a year. According to Juan Carlos and Andrea it wants cool temperatures, good light and a large footprint. All of these are repotted annually and on this last cycle I top dressed the colossus with a balanced formula Nutricote which is in addition to the regular weekly fertilization. The extra nutrition seems to be making a difference and it is getting taller and more vigorous with time. The plant itself is approaching 4 feet in height and the
> leaves perhaps 10 inches or so in length. Unfortunately, I still have yet to see flowers though all the other pleuros bloom regularly. I just noticed the other day that new growths were breaking so hopefully this will be the year it hits that critical mass or gets whatever it needs to bloom.
>
> It would be great to know if there are others out there with the species. Anyone?
>
> Best,
>
> Dave Horak
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> Hello, I'm back in the pleurothallid alliance after a 10 year hiatus....focusing on my fish biologist career, but growing orchids silently in the background. I've recently become enthralled by the big leaf pleurothallids.
>
> I have quite a few, but really would love to get Pleurothallis colossus.
> I'm trying to get one from Columbia in February, but we'll see. If anyone knows of a source or has a piece for sale or trade, I'd love to chat.
>
> On a related note, I have a Pleurothallis pregrande (spelled just that way) I believe it came from Orquideas del Valle. I can find no information on this species. Orchid species.com lists a praegrandis as a synonym of colossus....I honestly haven't had mine long enough to see flowers or if it will assume 'colossus' proportions. Does anyone else have experience with this species (colossus or pregrande).
>
> Glad to be back, Bill Pinnix
> ************************
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