This remarkable species from the cloud forests of Peru and Bolivia produces  spikes of up to ten large (3cm long) dramatic spidery flowers. The species is a strong grower and a mature plant like this produces a profusion of spikes.

It is a medium sized plant and we find it does well in pots of mounted as our flowering plant is here.

Pleurothallis is a large genus with diverse flowers and growth habits and a genus well worth exploring. They are found throughout South and Central America growing in a wide range of habitats including those that the Orchid Project has visited in Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Belize. We have found the greatest diversity in the cooler wetter mountain forests but some species do flourish in dryer warm lowland forest and on sun baked granite cliffs. Some species are real miniatures and most have small but fascinating flowers. Pleurothallis schweinfurthii with its large and dramatic flowers might be a good starting point for getting to know these interesting plants.