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May 2000 This Month ONT will focus on: "Two Promenaeas that are Easy to Grow" Written By Mr. Mike Rakow.
Promenaea xanthina - Promenaea stapelioides Photographer: Carmen Coll
Promenaea xanthina and Promenaea stapelioides are among the fifteen species in this Brazilian genus but are the only two that are found with any regularity in cultivation.
Promenaea xanthina comes from the cooler mountains of southern Brazil where it grows either epiphytically or lithophytically in forests up to 1 700 metres. It has a small growth habit and produces bright yellow flowers, large in proportion to the plant. These flowers are long lasting, pleasantly fragrant and appear early in the summer.
Less well known but as attractive in its own unusual way, is Promenaea stapelioides. The specific name refers to the similarity of the flowers to the South African succulent, Stapelia. (the -oides suffix comes from the Greek and means 'similar to' or 'alike') Promenaea stapelioides is also a native of the cooler mountainous areas in Brazil stretching from Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina. There it grows on trees or on the damp mossy rocks in semi-shade. The barred and blotched flowers, with amazing velvety purple lips, peep over the rim of the pot in late summer and last for several weeks.
Culture: Although the growing areas in Brazil are documented as 'cool', we have found that both these species grow well in intermediate and shady conditions. They are potted in fine bark in small shallow containers. In fact our Prom. stapelioides is growing beautifully in a small plastic puppy bowl in which several drainage holes have been made. They are watered throughout the year, and never allowed to dry out. But, because they have thin leaves which are prone to fungal and bacterial infections, both plants stand fairly close to the fans to ensure good air movement at all times. Unlike most other orchids, promenaeas do need to be repotted frequently. Phil Jesup mentions a Prom. stapelioides which was potted in osmunda fibre, which survived, undisturbed in the same pot for almost eight years. What more can a busy orchid hobbyist ask for?
These charming compact species are highly recommended. They are easy to grow, flower with no difficulty and bring colour to the greenhouse bench for many weeks.
References: Jesup, H.P. (1991). Promenaeas - compact orchids that flower with minimal care. American Orchid Society Bulletin, 60, 1070-1075. McQueen, Jim and Barbara. (1993). Orchids of Brazil. Timber Press, Oregon. Stewart, Joyce ed. (1995). Manual of Orchids. The New RHS Dictionary, London.
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