Porroglossum orchids

Porroglossum is a small Pleurothallid-alliance genus of around forty species, native to the Andean cloud forests of South America. Plants are miniatures, with small leaves on short stems and flowers borne on delicate inflorescences. The genus is notable for its touch-sensitive lip: when an insect lands on the hinged lip of a Porroglossum flower, the lip snaps upward, briefly trapping the visitor against the column and ensuring pollen transfer. The snap-action lip is the signature of the genus and the reason collectors seek it out.

The genus is a niche interest for collectors who specialise in miniature cloud-forest orchids. Plants are small enough to grow several in a terrarium, and many species flower sequentially over long periods.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): cool temperatures (nights 10 to 15 °C), low to medium light (800 to 1,500 footcandles), very high humidity (80 to 90 percent), constant air movement, evenly moist fine bark or sphagnum. Terrarium culture common.

Species include Porroglossum muscosum, Porroglossum echidna, Porroglossum olivaceum, and Porroglossum josei. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.