The Dove Orchid (Peristeria elata) is a sympodial growing orchid that can behave as either epiphytic or terrestrial. It is native to the mountainous regions of Central America and northwestern South America, predominantly Panama, where it is the national flower symbol. It inhabits areas over a thousand meters in altitude, preferring forested areas with rich substrates, which can be old tree trunks covered in mosses and other epiphytes, or directly on ground level, but always in places with abundant decomposing organic matter.
This orchid presents ovoid pseudobulbs, about 12 centimeters (approximately 4.7 inches) tall, elongated with four large, pleated leaves each. The inflorescence emerges at the base of the pseudobulbs, with a long and strong stem and 4 to 12 flowers. The flower itself is a spectacle. With very similar petals and sepals, fleshy, concave, and of an ivory white color, they form a perfect envelope for the purple-dotted labellum, which has a peculiar shape, resembling a small open-winged dove, earning it the distinctive common names, such as Dove Orchid and Holy Spirit Flower. It is fragrant, and its aroma is said to resemble beer. The flowering occurs in spring.
This beautiful orchid is highly sought after by collectors. In attractive pots, it can decorate various settings during its bloom. Since its stems are tall, place it in a prominent location or on lower surfaces, like side tables and nightstands. The flowers are especially long-lasting and can also be used as cut flowers. Due to indiscriminate collection from the wild, this orchid is seriously threatened with extinction.
It should be cultivated under partial shade, or diffused light, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. Ideally, use a shade cloth with 50 to 60% shading. In winter, increased light can be beneficial, which seems to favor its blooming. In its natural habitat, this phenomenon occurs naturally, as it often grows under the canopy of deciduous trees. It thrives in humid environments, with plenty of heat and frequent watering, without waterlogging.
The Peristeria elata favors mixed substrates, including materials for epiphytes, such as sphagnum and pine bark, and materials for terrestrials, like crushed stone, peat, and sand. It can be propagated by separating the pseudobulbs, ensuring each new plant has a complete structure and at least three pseudobulbs, along with a lead shoot. Commercially, propagation can be carried out through seeds or meristem, in a laboratory.
