Search Results for ‘peru’

This Pepperomia species was growing on a log about 3' off the ground and is quite common in appropriate habitat. It ought to be an excellent terrarium inhabitant.

A second Pepperomia species that is common in the Peruvian Amazon (and there are probably many more species that I haven't taken the time to properly distinguish!)

Geophila repens is a ground-hugging member of the coffee family. It can form large patches on the forest floor in areas where too much leaf-litter doesn't accumulate, including on fairly well-traveled trails, so it can handle some physical damage without much problem. Leaves are ~1/2" in diameter.

Fast growing "twig orchids" which can be abundant in high light levels, and is often found on guava tree twigs in pastures. This one was growing on a palm frond base and is probably about one year old. The fan of leaves might reach about 4" across in a large plant.

Another view of this hardy dwarf orchid. On suitable host trees, there may be dozens or even hundreds of Psygmorchis plants.

I've run into these just a few times in Peru - the leaves are fleshy and the flowers are waxy, fragrant and long-lasting. This species appears to like drier and brighter conditions.

A closer look at the attractive flowers of this species (if anyone can put an ID on it, please let me know!)

Costus erythrophyllus - dark green upper leaf surface with a purple-red undersurface. grows up to ~3' in height, but plants can likely be kept small in terraria by cutting out canes that grow too large. New (smaller) canes will be produced by the plant base.

Brassia cf. verrucosa - these orchids bloom frequently and like higher light levels with a bit of light shade. They are common around clearings and plants from branch and tree-falls can be placed at eye level and quickly attach.

A closer view of the Brassia cf. verrucosa flower

A very common Epidendrum in the Peruvian Amazon and one that does well in higher light situations (but with some light shade). Plants will want to be mounted (not potted) and should be allowed to dry out between waterings/misting.