About
These medium to large-sized, tropical orchids have evolved in a very unique way - to perfectly mimic and deceive their pollinator. Flower stems emerge from the base of the basket in mid-summer and carry 6-8 waxy flowers. Downwards facing flowers are being pollinated by male Euglossine bees (also called the Orchid Bees) that confuse the flowers for females. The plant produces a large clump of ovoid pseudobulbs (thickened stem on the base of each growth) which serve as a storage organ for water and nutrients. Each pseudobulb carries one large, elliptic, dark green leathery leaf up to 40cm long and 10cm wide. The flowers are short-lived, lasting only 2-4 days, but large plants produce many inflorescences that flower in succession. Flowers of this primary hybrid are large, pale yellow or cream, with numerous small or large dark pink spots. Each flower produces a heavy, pleasant sweet fragrance.
About the genus
A genus of the orchid family from Central and South America. This genus of epiphytic orchids is characteristic for its complex flowers. Flowers grow downwards and are strongly fragrant, but fairy short-lived. Ribbed, ovoid pseudobulbs form a tight clump, with each carrying one large, stemmed leaf
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a hanging basket lined with moss, in an open, bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite and sphagnum moss. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. May be grown in intermediate to warm conditions with temperatures between 12-30 °C. Seasonal and daily fluctuation of temperatures encourage flowering. Average humidity of 50-70% is sufficient and watering should be frequent enough during growing season (approximately once per week), with being reduced by half during winter months. Large specimens produce best flowering, however it is desirable to repot plants every few years to avoid stale, disintegrated potting mix.
PruningNo pruning required. Remove spent flowers after flowering.
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free, but may be susceptible to scale insects or mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Insufficient ventilation combined with overhead watering may cause bacterial spots on the leaves.