MINI ORCHIDS

Mini Orchids, Smallest Orchids of the World

A publication released on December 3, 2009 announced the discovery of the smallest orchid – a mini orchid - ever found in the world. Being very small, its measurement is just a bit over 0.08 inches or about 2 millimeters in its diameter. This mini orchid is almost transparent and was found located in the roots of another plant flower in Ecuador, South America by a group of scientists in a greenhouse.

It was Lou Jost, an ecologist who found this mini orchid in his greenhouse after studying plants of this South American country which were collected by his team a year earlier from mountainous forests. In fact, Ecuador jungles are rich in biodiversity with a huge differentiation of plants.

In the area where this mini orchid was found, Jost and his team also discovered some other 28 wild orchids from the Teagueia genus which was an orchid group formerly assumed to include only 6 species. Ecuador is the habitat of over 4,000 recognized species where about 1,000 of them were found in recent 12 years.

The new found mini orchid is believed to be in the Platystele genus. Scientific reviews on this new mini orchid are still ongoing. Although this main orchid has be officially designated yet as a new species, but Carl Luer who is an orchid expert from the Missouri Botanical Garden seems to have the same opinion that this mini orchid is a unique species

The Misterious Mini Orchid from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea

The record of being the smallest mini-orchid in the world held by Ecuador just last for only a few months. In early 2010, about 3 months later another smaller mini orchid was found during an exploration in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. This super mini orchid is believed to be in the Oberonia genus.

This Indonesian mini orchid measures only 1.1 – 1.5 millimeters in diameter and comes in orange colored flowers that blooms in clusters with hundreds of flowers forming a spiral pattern along the stem.

However this newest mini orchid has not been officially designated yet. It seems that there are some problems in the attempt to make clear identification, especially due to insufficient information and recorded data regarding this Oberonia genus.  

Literatures and herbarium specimens which are required as a reference for identification can be obtained in the British and Dutch herbaria, since records in the Indonesian herbaria seems to be very limited. Literatures about Oberonia genus were dominated by various journals issued in the middle of the 19th century until the early years of the 20th century.

There was a long silence of publication, until 1997 when there was a publication about a genus transfer of a Nepal orchid from genus Stelis to genus Oberonia, hence the orchid name Stelis mucronata became Oberonia mucronata. The discovery of this Nepal orchid – Stelis mucronata - was once published in 1825. Another significant publication is the discovery of a new species named Oberonia ensifolia in Sumatra Indonesia by J. B. Comber a British taxonomist in 2001.

This Oberonia mini orchids generally possess very small flowers, hence they are perceived for having no commercial value by the orchid community, even by researchers who pay a very little attention to this pity genus. As a matter of fact, no scientifical reviews have been conducted in Indonesia since long ago making them the mysterious mini orchids from Indonesia.

So, which one is the smalles orchid? I think we have to wait until scientific results will be officially announced. Another question, are such mini orchids worth to be proud of, while the value of an orchid lies in their beautiful flowers?

BLACK ORCHIDS

Black Orchids

Black orchids? What are these mystic black colored orchids trying to convey? I don’t think sending somebody some black orchids for celebration, as black color is the reflection of darkness, sadness and mystery, although it could mean strength and toughness.

Black orchids are indeed a bit mysterious. First is the black color. Not all black orchids are actually totally black in color. There are many variation of the black color in combination with other colors as well as the black coloring of different parts of the flower. As a matter of fact, some of the so called black orchids possess only a very small portion of black and even without any black at all.

Black orchids are included in the Bulbophyllum genus, since they are characterized by a bulb-like shape (bulbus) surrounded by several leaves (phyllon). Bulbophyllum is considered as the largest genus under the Orchid Family with around 1805 species including a wide variety of the black orchid species.

The second mystery is their identification. Due to their wide variance of the Bulbophyllum in their appearance, smell, form, growth pattern and environment it will be quite difficult to identify whether an orchid belongs to the Bulbophyllum genus or to another one. The identification is done through looking at their specific characteristics as well as the structure of the flower and plant. Imagine identifying black orchids which are not black at all. It is really a hard job to do, even for the experienced taxonomist.

Black orchids can be found in various countries with rain forests or jungles. They live in South East Asia, Papua New Guinea, Africa and South America. These exotic and beautiful orchids however are under serious threats of being extinct due to the changing environment and habitat caused by man. To mention a few are the Bulbophyllum filiforme from Cameroon and Nigeria, and the Bulbophyllum Kupense also from Cameroon.

In the States black orchids can be found in South Florida brought from the Central American Jungles. Black orchids are actually native to these Central American Jungles where they thrive best under indirect sunlight or low intensity of sunlight. In Belize the black orchids are proclaimed as the national flower of the Central American country of Belize. Bringing these flowers out of Belize is strictly prohibited. Any violation or trying to smuggle the flowers out of Belize will be charged a heavy penalty.

Borneo Black Orchids

In Borneo or known today as Kalimantan Island – which is the biggest island in the Indonesian Republic - a species of black orchids, Coelogyne pandurata, can be found. This species is characterized by black spots on a white base at the labellum, with five green petals surrounding the bulb.

They can also be found in Malaysia, Sumatra (another Indonesian island) and in the Philippines such as Mindanao, Luzon and Samar islands. They usually grow on old trees close to the shore or swamp areas with warm temperature.

They grow wild in Kalimantan rain forests and have been neglected and perceived as wild flowers with no value. It is only in the recent decade that Kalimantan black orchids become into sight due to its scarcity and commercial value.  

These Kalimantan black orchids are under the protection of the Indonesian Republic Regulation #7 dated January 27, 1999. But still, these poor flowers are being smuggled out of Indonesia ever since due the increasing global demand of wild orchids including these black orchids.

As they becoming scarce due to massive illegal logging in the past causing serious damage in the environmental habitat of these exotic flowers, the value of a black orchid increases and is exploited as commercial merchandise.   

MOKARA ORCHIDS

Mokara Orchids

Mokara orchids are inter-generic hybrids of arachnis X ascocentrum X vanda which have the largest number of colors compared to other orchids. Mokara is probably the only flower with such broad spectrum of color shades like purple, pink, blue, red, orange, yellow, coral with each and every color has its own range which definitely will be able to relay thousands of expression.

The purple color for instance, could be associated with spirituality and nobility. The deep purple communicates riches, while the light purple or lavender purple of Mokaras reflects delicacy and sweet romance. In some countries like Thailand and China purple is the expression of grief and sadness. While in many cultures purple is the symbol color of sovereigns.

Mokara, commonly named by the Smile Orchid, is native to Asia where it has been first discovered and cultivated. At present this tropical orchid can almost be found in all continents with the exception of the extreme cold region such Antarctica. The Sanskrit name Mokara derives from a Hindu philosophy stating that every individual possesses three states of well being which are the causal body, the astral body and the physical body, where Mokara represents the physical body or the state of form.

Mokara possesses a long stem which can produce 10 flowers per stem. Due to their delicacy and bright colors with its striking form of a starfish, Mokaras are popular in wedding bouquets. You can cut the blooming long stem and put them in a vas of water. To prolong their decorative life you can re-cut the underwater stem by ¼ inch every 3 days and replace the water in the vas with lukewarm water until it is filled near the vas edge.

Mokara orchids are included in the bright light orchid group. Placing it in a spot with morning sunlight until noon will be most sufficient in terms of lighting. If there is any doubt whether you provide enough light to your Mokara you can watch the color of the leaves.

Generally healthy orchid leaves are bright green rather than dark green which indicates insufficiency of light. When you see the leaves turn to reddish green, this is a clear indication of over lighting your orchid. Although Mokara can tolerate full sun but avoid exposing it to this direct sunlight since their leaves have flattened surfaces which tend to absorb more heat that can eventually burn the leaves.

I

t has been proven that Mokara, especially the modern hybrids, could stand in low lights and show good health and successful flowering. But this could be possible if you alter light intensity from bright to low gradually, meaning that you have to provide a time period for adaptation, unless your orchid will surely die. If you wish to care for this orchid in low light intensity, then you should lessen the frequency of watering and fertilizing.

The most suitable temperature for a Mokara is between 50º – 100ºF or 10º – 38ºC. In terms of feeding, Mokaras are a bit greedy in the sense that they are strong feeders especially when they are in full growth. You need to fertilize them in spring to fall once in a week plus some pure watering in between. While in fall throughout the winter fertilizing them once in a month will be sufficient.

Well, if you are looking for an orchid that has multi colors and shapes, easy to care for, which are available during the whole year round, Mokara orchids should be the one you are looking for.

BRASSAVOLA ORCHIDS

Brassavola Orchid, Lady of the Night

It is quite easy to recognize a Brassavola among other orchids. If you see a white flower with green colored, elongated and narrow sepals and petals it should be a Brassavola. The tips of the three upper sepals and two lateral petals are forming a pentagonal pattern or a star-shaped configuration. And if it spread a pleasant citrus smell at night, it is definitely a Brassavola orchid. No doubt.

Brassavola is named to honor a famous Italian physician and botanist, Antonio Musa Brassavola. This orchid is a genus that includes about 20 species, and has a close relation with the Cattleya family. The majority of Brassavola are epiphytes while some are lithophytes.

It is native to the tropical region of central and southern part of America including the Caribbean islands. “Lady of the night” is referred to Brassavola nodosa due to its intense fragrant at night. Some records show that Brassavola nodosa was the first orchid that has been successfully brought to and cultivated in Holland.

Their reproduction is through an extended, stem-like pseudobulb which produces a single tender leaf. It can grow at a maximum of 10 inches and produce flowers that could thrive about 5 – 30 days. The flower bloom as singles or in small clusters.

The most suitable temperature for a Brassavola to grow and bloom successfully should not be cooler than 55º – 65ºF or 13º – 18ºC during winter nights and between 65º – 75ºF or 18º – 24ºC during the day.

Light is the most critical factor in caring for this orchid. With sufficient light the leaves will normally produce red spots which you can notice above the green background of the leaf. If it does not show any red spot, then you should move your orchid to another place with brighter light.

Potting should be provided with exceptionally good drainage or you can let them grow on a mount bark and hanged. A good pot media may include perlite, coarse sphagnum, charcoal chips and fir bark. Since Brassavola can tolerate prolonged period of scanty rainfall, it will be easier to handle mounted Brassavola indoors compared to the majority of other orchids.

It is also good to steep your orchid in water for about 15 minutes 1 – 2 times in a week. This will provide the chance for the fat white roots to absorb sufficient amount of water to produce turgid leaves. Brassavola can tolerate low humidity as low to 40%. Extra humidity by the means of spraying and the use of humidity trays during their growth period will produce better blooming.

MILTONIA ORCHIDS

Miltonia Orchids

Most people do think that Miltonia orchid and Miltoniopsis orchid is the same flower, while they are not. If somebody refers an orchid as a pansy orchid, the orchid must be a miltoniopsis orchid which indeed looks like a pansy garden flower. While the Miltonia orchid does not look like a pansy flower at all.

There are quite a lot of differences between those two. An Miltonia has two leaves on every pseudobulb, while the miltoniopsis has only one. The pseudobulbs of a Miltonia are rounder which grows with some distance, while miltoniopsis possesses flatter pseudobulbs that are closely bunched together. The last is as mentioned above, the pansy appearance should be the attribute of a miltoniopsis. If the Miltonia is most suitable to thrive in an intermediate climate, the miltoniopsis tends to flourish in a bit cooler climate.

The miltonias are native to Brazil, but could also be found in other south American countries like Argentina, Paraguay and Peru. In spite the appearance that does not refers to the beautiful and colorful pansy flower, miltonia orchids are still beautiful orchids with their own uniqueness which is the pleasant rose-like fragrant.

Humidity. Looking at their native habitat in Brazil, where they are showered by rain and mantled by fog and mist, and never exposed to a dry period, means that you should always keep it moist if you decide to care for a Miltonia. Your potting media should not be too mushy since it could rotten the roots. To avoid this happening add some charcoals and perlite together with spaghnum moss or bark to the potting media to facilitate drainage.

Light. You can use a 50% shade cloth during the middle of the day to provide the proper lighting which should be about 1,500 to 3,000 foot candles. You can also put it in a bright spot at your home, but avoid direct sunlight or behind a net during summer.

Temperature. Keep it between 60º – 85º Fahrenheit (or 15º – 30º Celsius), since they will thrive in a warmer with bright sunshine climate. If you cultivate miltonias in a greenhouse you can optimize the use of sunlight by placing them in the right spot.

Watering. As an attempt to maintain a high humidity you need to water your orchid frequently, but watering it too often will lead to wet feet indicated by the rotten of roots. Thus a well managed air movement is a critical factor to keep your orchid dry. If you have you orchid placed in a greenhouse, good air movement can be provided by the presence of a fan.

Fertilizers. You can feed your Miltonia orchid with a regular dose of a 30:10:10 high nitrogen orchid fertilizer formulae to facilitate the orchid to grow new roots and leaves after repotting. This can be continued with a 18:18:18 general feeding in summer to fatten the bulbs to build enough food reserve in the autumn. Avoid to do fertilizing in autumn and winter.

Pests and diseases. Miltonias are susceptible to scale, aphids, spider mite and red spider mite. You should closely monitor those pests presence if you wish to enjoy a healthy orchid.

PHALAENOPSIS ORCHIDS

Phalaenopsis Orchids - Anggrek Bulan

Phalaenopsis or Phal or also called Moth orchid is an orchid genus introduced by Blume in 1825. This genus name refers to phalaena, a name of the moth (Lepidoptera) subdivision given by Carolus Linnaeus, since this orchid closely resembles the shape of a moth

This genus includes about 60 species which are native to the South East Asian region from the Himalayan mountains to the Indonesian archipelago, Malaysia, the Philippines and northern part of Australia. They are mostly epiphytes with a few numbers of lithophytes. In bare nature, some species grow under the shade of moist and wet forests sheltered against direct sunlight. Others grow in environments with dry or cool seasons.

Phalaenopsis does not have pseudobulbs or rhizome usually found in epiphytes. It grows in a single upright stem with some alternating fleshy and thick, elliptical leaves. This growth habit is called monopodial growth. A healthy phal could produce up to ten or more leaves along its stem. The cluster of flowers, either in the form of raceme or panicle grows from the stem between leaves. In the wilderness their full blooming will last for several weeks, while if kept at homes, it might bloom for 2 – 3 months.

Phalaenopsis are very suitable as potted orchids since they are easy to propagate and bloom under artificial conditions. Since the introduction of Phalaenopsis Doris, a tetrapoloid hybrid of this orchid, their growing in homes become very easy assuming that the provided conditions are nearly the same as their native habitat. Phalaenopsis has been commercially produced ever since.

Phalaenopsis orchid care guidelines

Light. Place your phal near or at a bright window. The ideal window spot is an east or west facing window. In gloomy or cloudy days a shady southern window will do best Avoid direct sunlight in mid-days. The most appropriate time is the early morning or in late afternoon sun.

In the absence of sunlight, a fluorescent light is a good substitute by placing it about 1 foot above the orchid. Do not forget to time your light resembling normal daytime length. If a home greenhouse is in your possession, you may as well use a heavy shade cloth to produce a light intensity of 1,000 – 1,500 fc (foot candles) during summer in particular.

Temperature. The preferred temperature for phals is ranging between 55º and 85ºF. To provide ideal growth it is best to set a night temperature of 60ºF and a daytime temperature of 75º – 80ºF.

Cool night temperatures during the fall will promote the initiation of flower spike. Be careful in maintaining the temperature, since too fluctuated temperature may cause failure of the bud to open and may drop off. A temperature exceeding 90ºF will slow down growth.

Humidity. Phals need moderate levels of humidity. The ideal range is between 50% – 75% relative humidity. In heated homes place your phal on a shallow tray which is filled with stones and water to keep the desired humidity near your phal. Make sure that the roots do not immerse in the water.

Water. Phals need to be watered thoroughly. Do not let them dry to the point of wilting. The frequency of watering depends also on the type of potting media that are in use as well as its growing environment. An average of every 7 – 10 days will be sufficient.

Remember that heated homes in winter produces lower humidity which means that you need to water your phal more often. If they dry to the point of wilting it really will be a setback for your pity phal.

Fertilizer. For satisfactory results, applying a slow release fertilizer with an equal proportion of N-P-K will be sufficient. You can use the liquid plant food as well using the equal proportion as recommended on the label and applying it every second time of your watering.

Flowering. The phal flowers are recognized to have a long lifespan. You can even induce the second flowering through timely pruning. What you have to do after the fading of the last flower is to check the spike and look for fleshy bulges or nodes. Count out 3 fleshy nodes and cut the spike about an inch above the third node.

By doing this, a healthy plant will stimulate one or two nodes to produce a cluster of new blooms. Repeating this several times will make it possible for you to enjoy your phal blooming of almost 6 months.

Repotting. As any other orchids, phals need to be repotted. The same reason of repotting also applies to your phal; the outgrowing from its present pot and the condition of the potting media that should be renewed. How to repot your phal have I explained in article specially addressed to this issue

Pest control. The danger of being messed up or hampered by insects or others is still there and can disturb the healthy life of your phal. So, monitor your orchid for aphids, mites, slug and scale. If you find any, remove it with a soft cloth steeped in soapy water. You can also use a pest control product, but make sure to follow the instructions on its label.

Well, that concludes the brief explanation about Phalaenopsis and some guidelines on how to care for your amazing phal.

PAPHIOPEDILUM ORCHIDS

Paphiopedilum orchids, The Lady Slipper

The Paphiopedilum orchid, also called paphs by horticulturist and is commonly referred as The Lady’s Slipper or just as slipper orchids. At present it includes about 80 accepted species with some of them are considered as natural hybrids. Paphiopedilum is native to India, China, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Slipper orchids naturally grow among humus layers as terrestrials that grow on land of the forest floor. Only some of this species grow as epiphytes (live at trees) and some as lithophytes (live in or on rocks). These orchids have a lateral growth pattern and do not possess pseudobulbs. Instead they grow strong shoots which are new plant growth with several leaves and buds at or near the surface of the soil

The shape of the leaves could be short rounded or long and narrow with a typical pattern of mottling. When mature shoots die, new shoots will come out. Every newer fully grown shoot will only blooms once that produces a cluster of flowers between the fleshy and succulent leaves. The roots are also thick, fleshy and could be quite long. A potted slipper orchid, for instance, could form a tight join of roots which when untangled, can be up to 1 meter long

Paphiopedilums are highly collectible orchids and admired by most orchid fanciers and hobbyist. The Lady’s Slipper name arises from the unusual shape of the pouch-like lips (called by labellum) of the orchid flower that resembles a lady’s slipper. The pouch is meant to trap nectar seeking insects, and as an attempt to leave the pouch the insect will bring along some amount of pollinia.

When caring for Paphiopedilum you should consider some important issues when you aim to get the utmost of this amazing flower orchid.

In their natural habitat, Paphiopedilums need very little light, which make them very suitable as house plants. 

You just need moderate lighting to keep your Paphiopedilum healthy and blooming. Placing them at an east facing window or a shaded south facing window will be most appropriate. Avoid west facing windows since they can be very hot in late spring to early fall. Be aware that too much light may burn your Paphiopedilum

There are two major groups of Paphiopedilums. The first one is the plain green leaf type or also known as the Bulldog type which is an intermediate grower. This type requires nighttime temperatures between 50º and 60ºF or 10º and 16ºC. Day time temperature should be below 80ºF or 27ºC. To produce flowers it is absolutely important to keep the night temperature below 60ºF or 16ºC for about a few weeks long in late fall and winter.

The second is the mottled leaf type, also known as the Maudiae type which is a warm grower. They require nighttime temperatures between 60º to 65ºF or 16º – 18ºC and day time between 70º – 85ºF or 22º – 30ºC. This Maudiae type could bloom in normal household environments.

Avoid drying out of this orchid between two watering. Depending on the set temperature, the frequency of watering should be about one or two times in a week. In summer it needs more frequent watering of every 4 to 5 days. Again, use the simple rule: more heat, more water and less heat less water.

Lady slippers like to stay in the humid side as long as it is not too wet. You can water the orchid in the morning, so that your plant will be dry by the end of the day. These slipper orchids prefer a humidity of 50% – 60%, hence putting them in a kitchen or bathroom will provide them with sufficient humidity. If you like to put it in other rooms or places, you can make use of a humidity tray

You may use fertilizers as well. Do it on a regular basis every other week using Norman’s Optimal Orchid Nutrients. Reduce its strength to a half teaspoon for every gallon of water. Prior to applying the diluted fertilizer, it is best if you pre-water the plants especially if the potting media is dry.

You need to repot Paphiopedilums once a year using fine orchid barks to promote proper and healthy growth. The ideal time of repotting is immediately after blooming. Avoid using too large pots, since they prefer small pots and it should be as small as possible.

CYMBIDIUM ORCHIDS

Cymbidium Orchids, the Cold Temperature Survivor

Cymbidium orchids are probably the oldest cultivated orchid in the world. Old records from the time of Confusius in year 500 BC have become evidence that this orchid has been grown in Chine about 2,500 years ago. It is native to China, Japan, northern part of India all the way through the Himalayas to South East Asia and northern Australia.

Cymbidiums or Cym is genus which includes about 52 plant species of green foliage throughout the year. This genus was officially introduced by Olof Swartz in 1799. The name Cymbidium is originated from a Greek word kumbos (= hole or cavity) referring to the shape of the basal portion of the lip. It is considered as a semi-terrestrial orchid which naturally grows on loose grounds of humid organic materials.

The flowers grow in raceme where each flower has a diameter of 5 – 10 cm. The blooming occurs in winter with at least 15 flowers. Cymbidiums possess a wide range of colors which include green, white, cream, yellow, yellowish green, brown, orange, pink and red where black and blue are excluded. Aside from the basic colors you can also find some marking of other color shades.

Blooming. Cymbidium flowering is prompted by the combination of lowering temperatures and reduction of water. The miniature hybrids are the results of crossing the cold climate cymbidiums with warm-house orchids which make them quite independent to low temperature to be able to bloom. But still, the two will bloom during winter, which should be the best time to display your cymbidiums indoors.

Temperature. Cymbidiums have been recognized as popular orchid species that can thrive in cold climates and recently have been making a remarkable come-back driven by a miniature hybrid of cymbidiums. These smaller cymbidiums are easier to care for and more manageable compared to the older varieties.

Being dependant on cold temperatures, the older cymbidium type should be triggered with an extended cold temperature to be able to bloom. Unlike the older type of cymbidiums which could withstand night temperatures down to 40ºF or 4.5ºC, the smaller cymbidium hybrids are less dependent on cold temperatures to be able to bloom.

Light. Cymbidiums favor dappled sunlight or more or less 50% shading if you care for them in a greenhouse. In terms of intensity, a fairly strong light of 2,500 to 3,000 fc is sufficient. If you care for a house plant, you can place them outdoors during summer, but avoid direct sunlight. The best time is in the morning where sunlight is still weak and in a shady afternoon.

Watering. Plentiful of watering can be done during their growing season which is in spring, summer and fall. Use pure water for best result, the purer the better. Possible accumulation of salt in tap water should be avoided since it may harm your cymbidium. When winter comes and the blooming occurs you should reduce watering radically but it should not be totally dried out. Check the potting media with your finger to determine whether there is enough humidity.

Fertilizer. If you wish to use a fertilizer, a well balanced and weak fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 of the recommended dosage will do well during spring and summer time. To avoid possible accumulation of fertilizer flush the potting media with pure rainwater at every 4^th watering. In fall and winter, reduce the strength of your fertilizer to half of the recommended dosage.

In relation to their characteristics, Cymbidiums are suitable to grow in the middle and along the coastal region of the Unites States and other sub-tropical regions. The common threat is the frosting temperature which could kill them.

EPIDENDRUM ORCHIDS

Epidendrum Orchid, The Largest Genus of Orchids

Epidendrum orchids is the largest genus in the orchid familia. This genus includes more than 1,100 species hence it is a mega genus. Epidendrum orchids are also called epi which is named after their habits that grow on trees like epiphytes. But actually not all epidendrum orchids live on trees, and some are not even considered as epiphytes at all.

It was Carolus Linnaeus that included all the orchids which he recognized and considered as epiphytes. In 1763 he introduced this genus which later was then reviewed and revised where some orchids were moved to other species and sub-species. The review and revision went on and until today about 2,000 names are listed, among those about 1,000 have been established into a new genera. Still, there is an estimation of more or less 2,000 undiscovered epidendrum orchid types out there.

The majority of epidendrum orchids are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia as well as America. They mostly live upon trees (epiphytes), although some live on grounds (terrestrial type) and only a few live on rocks (lithophytes). Their habitats are the tropical and humid jungles. However epidendrums can also survive on green fields or under the trees of cool forests. That is why epidendrums are regarded as sustainable orchids.

Unlike the majority of epidendrum orchids that live in tropical areas, there are some types that are able to survive in cool conditions like the Epidendrum radicans. The Epidendrum conopseum can even stay alive in prolonged freezing conditions of Auckland. In this extreme low temperature it is still able to bloom the whole year long.

The size and form of the flowers are available in a number of varieties. They produce flowers in clusters in the form a receme (or unbranched inflourescences). In some occasion they also bloom in the form of panicles (or compound recemes) with longer flower stalks. Most of the upper, lateral and lower side flowers are small to medium sized and is a bit difficult to see them.

The one and only attractiveness to these epidendrum orchids are their very pleasant smell. Many types of epidendrums produce pleasant fragrance which is the best reason to caring for this orchid. Epidendrum aromaticum and Epidendrum cochleatum are some of them which are able to flourish to spread pleasant smell from summer to autumn, but E. cochleatum needs a bit warmer temperature. On the other hand, Epidendrum moyobambae and Epidendrum radiatum are two examples of fragrance orchids that blooms in spring to summer

Epidendrums have very minimum features to offer, since their flowers are unattractive and very small compared to other orchids. However, there are some that have beautiful flowers. One of the few epidendrums that possess beautiful flowers is the Epidendrum radicans which you can consider to be listed in your orchid collection.

E. radicans is some kind of wild-plant orchid that you may find along the roadsides of Central America. It produces long fluorescence of flaming-red flowers which could reach a length about 15 inches. It has a long flowering time when kept in warm to cool temperature on terrestrial orchid-mix as potting media.

Epidendrum pfavii or the ‘Purple Gum Drop’ is another one that has attractive flowers. This native to Costa Rica orchid grows with an erect stem which is able to grow up to four feet tall. It produces a huge quantity of pink to purple colored flowers that flowers at the edge of the stem. If you like to care for one, the best media for cultivation is on barks or a coarse media which provides good drainage. It is a thrifty type of orchids, thus you do not need to use a fertilizer to get optimum results.

In spite of their only few positive traits, epidendrum orchids are quite easy to propagate. A single stem can produce many plants with a broad range of tolerability and growth conditions. These new types are best cultivated on bark compost-mix, sphagnum moss and fibers of tree branches. They are also very tolerable to high temperatures up to 100F without showing any sign of harm or suffering.

The conclusion: In spite of their minimum of good features to offer, there are types of epidendrums that possess positive traits: their pleasant smell and some of them with beautiful flowers plus their ‘stubbornness’ you may definitely include one in your orchid collection.