Status:
valid
Authors:
Ruiz & Pav.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1798
Citation Micro:
Syst. Veg. Fl. Peruv. Chil. : 221 (1798)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000238760
Common Names
- Maxillaria platypetala
- Platypetala Orchid
- Broad Petal Orchid
Synonyms
- Maxillaria polypetala Steud. [unknown]
- Dendrobium platypetalum (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers. [unknown]
- Dendrobium polypetalum Steud. [unknown]
Description
Maxillaria platypetala (also called Flat-petalled Maxillaria, among many other common names) is an epiphytic orchid species found in Central America, from Mexico to Panama. It has a short stem with a few leaves and grows in wet forests, at elevations of up to 1500 meters. It has fragrant flowers with yellow sepals and petals and a white lip.
Uses & Benefits
Maxillaria platypetala is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Maxillaria platypetala has yellow-green flowers with a white lip. Its seeds are small and round, and its seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Maxillaria platypetala is a terrestrial orchid that is native to tropical areas of Central and South America. It can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. It should be planted in a well-draining potting mix that is high in organic matter. Water regularly and fertilize monthly during the growing season. In the winter, reduce watering and fertilizing.
Where to Find Maxillaria platypetala
Maxillaria platypetala is native to Central and South America.
Maxillaria platypetala FAQ
What is the optimal temperature for Maxillaria platypetala?
Maxillaria platypetala prefers temperatures between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best soil type for Maxillaria platypetala?
Maxillaria platypetala prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5.
How much light does Maxillaria platypetala need?
Maxillaria platypetala prefers bright, indirect light.
Species in the Maxillaria genus
Maxillaria acervata,
Maxillaria aciantha,
Maxillaria acostae,
Maxillaria acuminata,
Maxillaria acutifolia,
Maxillaria adendrobium,
Maxillaria adolphi,
Maxillaria adscendens,
Maxillaria aequiloba,
Maxillaria affinis,
Maxillaria aggregata,
Maxillaria alba,
Maxillaria albata,
Maxillaria albiflora,
Maxillaria alfaroi,
Maxillaria allenii,
Maxillaria alpestris,
Maxillaria alticola,
Maxillaria amabilis,
Maxillaria amblyantha,
Maxillaria anatomorum,
Maxillaria anceps,
Maxillaria angustibulbosa,
Maxillaria angustisegmenta,
Maxillaria angustissima,
Maxillaria antioquiana,
Maxillaria appendiculoides,
Maxillaria arachnites,
Maxillaria arachnitiflora,
Maxillaria arbuscula,
Maxillaria argyrophylla,
Maxillaria augustae-victoriae,
Maxillaria aurea,
Maxillaria auyantepuiensis,
Maxillaria azulensis,
Maxillaria barbosae,
Maxillaria batemanii,
Maxillaria bennettii,
Maxillaria bicallosa,
Maxillaria binotii,
Maxillaria biolleyi,
Maxillaria bocazensis,
Maxillaria bolivarensis,
Maxillaria boliviensis,
Maxillaria bolleoides,
Maxillaria bomboizensis,
Maxillaria brachybulbon,
Maxillaria brachypetala,
Maxillaria brachypoda,
Maxillaria bracteata,
Species in the Orchidaceae family
Aa fiebrigii,
Aa hartwegii,
Aa hieronymi,
Aa leucantha,
Aa lorentzii,
Aa macra,
Aa achalensis,
Aa maderoi,
Aa mandonii,
Aa matthewsii,
Aa microtidis,
Aa paleacea,
Aa argyrolepis,
Aa riobambae,
Aa rosei,
Aa schickendanzii,
Aa sphaeroglossa,
Aa trilobulata,
Aa weddelliana,
Aa aurantiaca,
Aa calceata,
Aa colombiana,
Aa denticulata,
Aa erosa,
Aa figueroi,
Aa lozanoi,
Aa lehmannii,
Acampe carinata,
Acampe cephalotes,
Acampe ochracea,
Acampe pachyglossa,
Acampe praemorsa,
Acampe joiceyana,
Acampe hulae,
Acanthophippium bicolor,
Acanthophippium chrysoglossum,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Acanthophippium eburneum,
Acanthophippium gougahense,
Acanthophippium javanicum,
Acanthophippium lilacinum,
Acanthophippium mantinianum,
Acanthophippium parviflorum,
Acanthophippium pictum,
Acanthophippium splendidum,
Acanthophippium striatum,
Acanthophippium sylhetense,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Achlydosa glandulosa,
Acianthera aculeata,