Ascocentrum pumilum is native to Taiwan. This orchid grows on the entire island, in deciduous forests at heights of 1000-2000 m. It is a mini-miniature sized, cool growing epiphyte with 5 to 7, distichous, tubular to semi-terete, fleshy, channeled leaves.
Ascocentrum pumilum, also called as The Small Flowered Ascocentrum, Ascolabium pumilum, Saccolabium pumilum, is a species of the genus Ascocentrum. This species was described by (Hayata) Schltr. in 1919.
IDENTIFY ASCOCENTRUM PUMILUM
Ascocentrum pumilum is native to Taiwan. This orchid grows on the entire island, in deciduous forests at heights of 1000-2000 meters above sea level.
It is a mini-miniature sized, cool growing epiphyte, which reaching 6 cm in height, with 5 to 7, distichous, tubular to semi-terete, fleshy, channeled leaves. The leaves are 3-8 cm long, 0.2-0.3 cm wide, slightly curved and quite blunt ended tops.
The Small Flowered Ascocentrum blooms in the winter on an axillary, erect, slender, to 1.6" (4 cm) long, 3 to 10 flowered inflorescence with lanceolate, to ovate-lanceolate, membraneous floral bracts. The flowers are about 1.5 cm in diameter, and slightly forward directed petals form a bucket shape. The petals are pink or pinkish-red, at the base they are lighter. A short cylindrical spur is located at the base of the lip and points downward.
ASCOCENTRUM PUMILUM CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Ascocentrum pumilum needs a light level of 18000-25000 lux. The best is moderately filtered light, and direct sunlight should be avoided. Strong air movement should be ensured all the time.
Temperature:
The average temperature of the summer day is 24 ° C, the night 15-16 ° C, and the daily difference is 8-9 ° C. The average temperature of the winter day is 17-18 ° C, the night 7-8 ° C, and the daily difference is 10 ° C.
Humidity:
From the late spring until the beginning of autumn, Ascocentrum pumilum needs the average humidity of almost 90%, and for the remainder of the year it drops to 80-85%.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Because of the small size, these orchids are better mounted on rootstocks, but it can grow successfully in pots. Mounted plants require high humidity and watering during the summer at least once a day, and during hot weather it may be necessary to water several times a day. If it grow in pots or baskets, the substrate must be filled with loose, quickly drying ground. This species is extremely intolerant to the solid ground around the roots.
It is better to repot during the growth of new roots, then the plant will take root sooner.
Watering:
Ascocentrum pumilum should be watered frequently during a period of active growth, but their roots must dry quickly. The substrate around the roots can never be soggy or damp. When the growth is slowed down in the autumn, the amount of water should be slightly reduced.
Fertilizer:
It is recommended to apply a 1/4-1/2 dose of orchid fertilizer weekly during active growth. You can use a fertilizer balanced in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and also fertilize with a high nitrogen content from spring to mid-summer, and then with high phosphorus content until the end of the autumn.
Rest period:
In winter, the amount of water should be slightly reduced, especially for plants grown in the conditions of a short, dark day at moderate latitudes. However, they can not stay without water for too long. Fertilization should be eliminated until spring, when the growth of new increments begins and the watering is resumed more abundantly.
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