Also known as Tiny Psygmorchis
Erycina pusilla, the Dwarf Erycina, is a tiny, charming orchid native to Mexico and Central America, prized for its miniature blooms and easy-care nature.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate
50% intensity
Provide bright, indirect light, similar to what Phalaenopsis orchids prefer. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow the potting medium to approach dryness between waterings. Reduce frequency in cooler months.
Orchid mix
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in intermediate temperatures, with daytime highs of 20-25°C and nighttime lows of 15-18°C. Cooler winter nights can promote blooming.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a diluted orchid fertilizer during active growth, ceasing in winter. Avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the potting medium is nearly dry, typically every 7-10 days during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly in cooler months to prevent root rot.
Avoid letting the plant sit in water, as this is detrimental to its health and can lead to fungal issues.
Pruning is generally not required for Erycina pusilla. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves or flower stalks as they appear to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to make clean cuts close to the base of the plant.
Propagation is best achieved through division of mature clumps during repotting. Carefully separate the pseudobulbs, ensuring each division has at least 2-3 pseudobulbs and some roots.
Allow the cut surfaces to callus for a day before repotting into a suitable orchid mix.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the potting medium has broken down. This is typically done in spring after flowering. Use a well-draining orchid mix, such as bark or a sphagnum moss blend.
Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Dwarf Erycina (Erycina pusilla)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Erycina |
| Species | Erycina pusilla |
Similar in genus Erycina
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
