Ionopsis utricularioides (Sw.) Lindl. 1826 is an epiphytic growing miniature orchid species, native to Central Amaerica, the Carribean Islands and South Amerika, as far as Brazil.

Inflorescences of mature orchids can reach lengths up to about 1 meter and are packed with lots of flowers. Flowers of the miniature orchid Ionopsis utricularioides get a size of 1-2 cm and open successively over months. Flowering period: Spring - Summer. Ionopsis utricularioides orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival). The miniature orchid is quite undemanding as to the temperatures, but is very susceptible to attacks by scale insects. Once infested by scale insects, the mortality rate is very high. Ionopsis utricularioides is a short-living orchid species and even in the wild, the average life span is just about 5 years. To get a lot of flowers, the orchid should dry up between waterings, it requires a good air movement and the most important cultivation hint is, don`t fertilize the miniature orchid, like other orchids, apply fertilizer very dilutely and only once a month during the growth season.

Flower Photography< © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Miniature Orchid Ionopsis utricularioides
Photographer: Kitisak "Nat" Jaidee

Flower Photography< © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Miniature Orchid Ionopsis utricularioides
Photographer: Kitisak "Nat" Jaidee