Habitat and Ecology
 
​Pleurothallis truncata is a medium to large-sized, epiphytic or lithophytic Pleurothallid native to the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador. It is a cool to cold-growing species, found in wet montane cloud forests at very high altitudes, typically ranging from 1,700 to 3,000 metres. This habitat is perpetually cool, wet, and often shrouded in mist. The plant is adapted to thrive in these high-elevation conditions, often growing on mossy tree trunks or steep embankments, where consistent moisture and excellent air movement are critical.
 
​Description
​This orchid is a caespitose (clump-forming) perennial with slender, wiry stems (ramicauls) enveloped by sheaths. Each stem supports a single, leathery, rigid, elliptic leaf that can grow up to 8 cm long. The inflorescence is a short, successively-flowering raceme (spike) that is often produced from the base of the leaf. The spike is often positioned such that it lies along the surface of the leaf, allowing the blooms to cascade over the edge. The small flowers are typically orange or yellowish-orange and are globular or somewhat tubular in shape, often described as having an unusual, highly modified structure. The species name truncata (truncated) refers to the blunt or cut-off appearance of some floral parts.
 
​Cultivation
​Pleurothallis truncata is a cool-growing orchid that requires very stable, cool conditions, making it best suited for a cool greenhouse or specialist orchidarium in the UK. It requires low to medium indirect light and must be kept shielded from direct sunlight, which can easily damage the leaves and desiccate the plant. It grows well when mounted on cork or tree fern fibre or potted in a fine, free-draining epiphytic mix with moisture-retentive material like sphagnum moss. It must be kept consistently moist year-round; the roots should never dry out.
 
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-24 C (64-75 F)
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: Cool conditions are essential for survival and flowering, ideally 10-14 C (50-57 F).
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High humidity (70%+) is mandatory, along with excellent air circulation. Water frequently with tepid, soft water. Fertilize monthly during active growth with a highly dilute balanced orchid feed.
 
​Unique Features
 
​This orchid is a highly desirable collector's species valued for its cascading spike of numerous small, orange flowers that are produced successively over a long period. Its morphology, often theorised to be pollinated by hummingbirds (unusual for the Pleurothallidinae subtribe), makes it a conversation piece. Its ability to produce plantlets (keikis) from its leaves when stressed also provides an unusual propagation method.
 
​Specifications
​Plant Size: Flowering sized divisions, 7+ ramicauls with leaves
​Plant Family: Orchidaceae
​Plant Passport: A Pleurothallis truncata B 140084 C [user input] D GB