Pabstia

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Rainforests of Brazil.

Description. Pabstia is a medium-sized epiphytic orchid with oblong-elliptical or ovoid pseudobulbs up to 6 cm long. Each pseudobulb bears up to 4 green, oblong, glossy, curved leaves. The peduncles are low, powerful, axillary, each bearing at the top up to 6 large flowers in purple, yellow, green, white, up to 5 cm in diameter.

Height. 45 - 60 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, but prefers moderately warm conditions during the growing season at a temperature of about 20 - 22 ° C. In the winter months there is a cool dormant period at a temperature of about 10 ° C. 

Lighting

In its natural environment, this plant lives in the lower part of tree trunks and, unlike most orchids, can be successfully grown in partial shade. Does not like direct sunlight.

Substrate for orchids

Loose, soil consisting of coarse fern fibers, small pieces of pine bark, with the addition of charcoal. Perlite should be added to improve drainage.

Feeding

Feed the pabstia during the growing season with orchid fertilizer at half strength every 2 weeks.

Purpose

Representatives of this species are very rarely found in culture and are valued by orchid collectors.

Flowering time

Flower stalks with buds appear in the summer months. With proper care, repeated flowering can occur throughout the year.

Air humidity

High. Place the plant on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier.

Water orchids at home

Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. In autumn, reduce the frequency of watering slightly and in the cold season, water so that the top layer of soil dries to a depth of about 5 cm between waterings.

Transplant

Adult specimens are replanted after flowering every 2–3 years.

Reproduction

Propagated by dividing large plants when transplanting. Seeds that are sown in spring.

Pests and diseases

Pabstia does not tolerate stagnant water. The main pests of flowers are spider mites.