Mini Dresslerella Orchid Is Fuzzy All Over
This mini Dresslerella is fuzzy all over. Its flowers, stems, and leaves are hairy. Dresslerella lasiocampa could even be described as shaggy. This orchid may be hairy because it likes morning sun, and the fuzz offers some protection from burning. Or it may be a way to collect water from fog, with dew drops condensing on the hairs.
The blooms resemble hairy boats, or fuzzy baby pelicans, or maybe furry caterpillars. They may lack glamour, but they’re cute and weird, with plenty of character. The flowers have lasted over five weeks. I’ve seen photos of this species with flowers that have opened more widely than mine, but these two blossoms have only opened part of the way. This could be a natural variation, a genetic mutation, or a care issue, such as temperature, air movement, or fertilizer problems. But as long as it keeps blooming, I’ll enjoy whatever shape it takes.
I’ve had this fascinating pleurothallid for about a year. It lives inside a glass vase with a plate on top and water in the bottom, as shown in the final photo. This provides the high humidity that this orchid needs. The little plant is mounted, and propped up in a small flower pot to keep it completely above the water. I clean the glass once a week, and change the water, but otherwise it needs minimal care with this setup. This species is native to Ecuador and Peru at elevations up to 5906 feet (1800 m.)
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