Platystele microtatantha is one of the smallest orchids in the world. The flower is not much bigger than the tip of a pen at about 2-3 mm or so, I admit it is a bitch to measure… The whole plant, even though it is quite a healthy specimen, does not measure more than a couple of centimeters across. The worlds smallest orchid ever found (to date) was actually not discovered that long ago, and it is indeed another Platystele that is holding the title. It was discovered in Ecuador in 2009 by Lou Jost, an ecologist with the EcoMinga plant-conservation foundation.
Platystele microtatantha is an intermediate to cool growing epiphyte from the cloud forests of Central America where it grows at elevations of 1400 to 2000 meters. I grow it mounted in the cool vivarium, rather bright on the humid side of the vivarium. It has been blooming profusely sine this summer and is still going strong. I adore it, even though you need a magnifying glass to enjoy it…
Platystele microtatantha (Schltr.) Garay, Bot. Mus. Leafl. 21: 251 (1967).
Hi Karma,
Remembering my passion about orchids, a good friend of mine who recently traveled to Guatemala brought back a Platystele microtatantha to add to my collection. It was in glorious full bloom last season for a rather long time but this season it produced nothing.
The plant itself looks vibrant and healthy as do the roots but no flowering as of yet. I’m hoping that it’s just taking a rest rather than preparing to give up on me.
By the way, Karma, I love your blog and I visit it frequently. I have also incorporated your link within my OrchidCare.org site as a valuable resource for my visitors. Would you be willing to return the favor by placing my link within your Orchid Resources section?
Thanks a million.
Hanna
Thank you Hanna. Very nice to hear that you enjoy my blog! Thank you for linking to my site, I have now returned the favor. 🙂
If the plant looks healthy you are not too far off with its care. I would play with humidity and light levels for starters and see if you can’t get it to bloom. Sorry for my late reply, but your comments were hidden in the spam folder.
Do you have any orchid of Rhynchostylis gigantea???
Yes I have a very small seedling plant of Rhynchostylis gigantea, but it will be many, many years until it blooms…
Happy to see your pretty orchid. We have domesticated different species of Orchid which are very interesting for study. Please visit our pics uploaded in Facebbok:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/hlakungpui/photos/
Thank you!