TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Achimenes sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Achimenes species and hybrids are commonly grown as greenhouse plants, or outdoors as bedding plants in subtropical regions. The species have been extensively hybridized, with many of the hybrids involving the large-flowered species A. grandiflora and A. longiflora. Many of the species and their hybrids have large, brightly colored flowers and are cultivated as ornamental greenhouse and bedding plants.

Amherstia nobilis

Perhaps the most beautiful of flowering tropical trees, certainly attractive enough to earn the sobriquet Queen of Flowering Trees. Obscure origins add to the mystique of this noble petite tree. It has only been collected from the wild a couple of times, in the forests of Burma, leading to its common name Pride of Burma. The tree has compound leaves and a great profusion of large, irregular, yellow-spotted scarlet flowers. The genus is named after Lady Sarah Amherst, who collected plants in Asia in the early Nineteenth century. Not only is she commemorated in one of the most beautiful of the worlds trees, she also lends her name to Lady Amherst pheasant one of the most elegant birds. The new leaves are produced in flaccid pale tassels that turn purplish before they green and open out. When not in flower, Amherstia looks similar to Saracca, another Asian legume genus. The leaves unfurl in handkerchief fashion like the Brownea and Maniltoa. New leaf growth is reddish, hangs down at first.

Anacamptis pyramidalis

It is a good orchid to put into a meadow or wildflower lawn and usually thrives. Flowering takes place in late June through July. It also grows happily in a cold greenhouse, preferably in a plunged terracotta pot.

Anguloa sp.

Anguloa sp. is a small shrub grows from 2-5 ft, making it ideal for containers or small gardens. It prefers semi-shade to full sun, with regular watering. In hot regions it needs Moderate water for optimal health, and grows best in USDA Zones 9-11. When in season it presents large, showy blooms in shades of pink, white, and off-white, red and crimson, even vinous and yellow-orange. The blooms are sweetly fragrant, having strong scent of cinnamon, and attract both butterflies and hummingbirds.

When growing in a pot in colder regions, it's important to keep it sheltered from any frost. The soil should be kept slightly moist, not wet, so it is advisable to water only when the soil slightly dries up. Frequent misting may also help to keep some moisture around the plant. A layer of mulch in winter can help protect the roots from any natural frost.

Overall Tulip Orchids are a moderately easy to care for plant. As long as the climate is hospitable and given the right balance of water and sun, the reward of large, show stopping blooms is worth the effort.

Arpophyllum giganteum

Arpophyllum giganteum, commonly known as Hyacinth Orchid, is a type of epiphytic orchid native to Central America. This small shrub typically grows to a height of 2 to 5 ft and thrives in USDA Zone 9-11. Its bright pink flowers appear in the spring and summer, with the single flower head up to 40 cm in length.

The Hyacinth Orchid will grow best when provided with semi-shade and moderate water. For those living in colder regions it can be grown in containers. Place the container in a spot where it will receive filtered indirect sunlight, potted in a well-draining potting mix and watered around once a week, making sure it is not left in standing water. Fertilizer, when needed, should be mixed in with the watering. Allow the orchid to dry out between each watering and maintain a temperature of at least 65°F. Taking care to not overwater, as this can result in the orchid developing root rot.

In summary, the Arpophyllum giganteum, otherwise known as the Hyacinth Orchid, is native to Central America and is an ideal houseplant for those living in USDA Zones 9-11. It is a small shrub, growing up to 2-5 ft tall and producing single flower heads up to 40 cm in length. When caring for, it will require semi-shade, moderate water, and temperatures of at least 65°F. Those living in colder regions should plant in containers and take special caution not to overwater. With the right care, the bright pink flowers of the Hyacinth Orchid will be sure to be brightening your home come spring and summer.

Arundina graminifolia, Arundina affinis, Bletia graminifolia

The bamboo orchid, Arundina graminifolia, is a species of orchid and the sole accepted species of the genus Arundina. This tropical Asiatic genus extends from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, the Ryukyu Islands, Malaysia, Singapore, China to Indonesia, the Philippines and New Guinea. It has become naturalized in Reunion, Fiji, French Polynesia, Micronesia, the West Indies, Costa Rica, Panama and Hawaii.

Arundina graminifolia is a terrestrial, perennial orchid with reedy stems, forming into large clumps. This orchid blooms in summer and autumn, showing rather open clusters of showy terminal flowers, ten at the most. They bloom in succession on the terminal racemes. These flowers are a rosy lilac and white disk with a purple lip. The bracts are wide triangular and surround the main stalk of the flower cluster. The occasional fertilized seed pods contain minute powdery seeds, and small plants often develop near the cane ends after flowering, and likely aid in propagation if allowed to reach the soil.

With only 200 of the plant to be recorded growing naturally in Singapore, the species is close to extinction there, largely caused by the destruction of its natural habitat, namely the rainforests and mangrove forests. The remaining plants, commonly called Tapah weeds, can be found in the secondary forests or at the forest fringes. It is however very common in road cuts and other disturbed areas in full sun in Sarawak, East Malaysia, where it often is the most common flowering plant to be seen along the roadsides.

Bamboo Orchid produces pinkish flowers at the top of tall cane-like pseudobulbs. It's the only species in the genus. The plants are quite tall; they'll reach at least hip level, possibly over your head, and their vegetative resemblance to bamboo can be uncanny. The long pseudobulbs have leaves alternating along their length, similar to Epidendrum orchids. The flower stems, which emerge from the top of the canes, produce several flowers sequentially, so that there will be one at a time over an extended period. The flowers are white with a purple-to-pink lip, and shaped similarly to a Cattleya orchid flower. They are 2-3 inches across, and can appear for much of the year, especially in summer.

Arundinas readily propagate themselves by keikis, which frequently develop along the pseudobulbs. Once a keiki has roots a couple inches long (several cm), you can carefully cut it off and pot it separately. The canes do not grow rigidly upright, they'll sometimes tip over; in nature, this allows the keikis to get established nearby, so it's a major vegetative propagation strategy for these plants; it helps them rapidly grow into large clumps. These plants like colonizing disturbed habitats, often growing as roadside weeds in much of Southeast Asia; being able to grow quickly helps them succeed in such places.

These plants are tough: they are quite robust and forgiving of less-than-attentive care. They are terrestrial orchids, so they like a denser potting mix than most orchids. It should still drain freely, however, and not be as dense as soil. A good starting point is equal parts sand, sphagnum moss, and fine fir bark. Bamboo orchids should be watered as they approach dryness; don't let them dry out too thoroughly. If you grow them outdoors, either if you live in a warm climate or if you just brought it outdoors for the summer, rainfall might water it often enough in some areas; but if it's starting to dry out water it thoroughly. If you grow orchids indoors, these plants are often too big to take to the sink; the easiest way to water will often be to dunk the pot in a bucket, then pull it out. Any aerial roots, such as on keikis, should be misted regularly. Fertilize regularly; the usual recommendation is to use a fertilizer especially formulated for orchids feeding weakly. Most orchid fertilizers are designed to be dissolved in the plant's water. They like high light: 2000-3000 footcandles is ideal, similar to the low end of Cattleya lighting. In nature, they commonly grow in direct sunlight. As long as the lighting isn't too dim you're probably fine. If it doesn't bloom, try increasing the lighting. You'll get the best results growing them at warm temperatures. It's OK if the temperature varies more widely than this; they can actually withstand mild freezes occasionally, though it's quite stressful for them. Any temperature that's reasonably comfortable (or a bit hot and muggy) for humans is going to be fine for bamboo orchids. They like good humidity, perhaps 70%, though this isn't critical. If the humidity is low, the plant should be misted regularly, especially if it has any keikis.

See video about Ground Orchids.

Bauhinia acuminata

Semi-deciduous large shrub or small tree with white butterfly-like flowers, everblooming (Flower season: Spring through fall). Drought tolerant. Bauhinia acuminata is very sensitive to cold wind. Pea shaped pod with 4 to 6 seeds. See article about this plant.

See article about bauhinias.

Bauhinia bidentata, Phanera bidentata

Bauhinia bidentata, native to Thailand, is a vigorous woody vine, or creeper, with attractive bright orange flowers and large heart-shaped foliage. The yellow, orange and crimson blossoms of this plant attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Due to its tropical origins, Bauhinia bidentata thrives in full sun and semi-shade, although young plants should be protected during cold spells. Restrict moderate watering during winter and late autumn. This plant requires moist, well-drained soils.

In warmer climates, Bauhinia bidentata can be grown in the garden. In USDA Zone 10-11 it can reach 30-50 ft high. In colder climates, you can grow Orange Bauhinia in a pot, using a rich, fast-draining planting mix. It is important to keep the container in an area that provides shelter from strong winds, and also to make sure that planting mix is kept moist but not saturated.

Overall, Bauhinia bidentata is an excellent vine to bring a tropical feel to any outdoor space. It is a low maintenance plant with unique orange-colored blooms that you can enjoy all year-round.

Bauhinia blakeana

The most beautiful orchid tree. The tree was originally described as a new species in 1908 after being discovered on the near Hong Kong around 1880 and was named after a Hong Kong governor Sir Henry Blake who had a strong interest in botany. The tree is of medium size with alternate large heart shaped leaves. Large deep-purple flowers appears from January to May. The beautiful display of slightly fragrant orchid-like blooms makes the tree so desirable for the landscape. The flowers attract butterflies and bees. The species is believed to be sterile and will not set seed so the plant will not drop long pods as other orchid trees do. The flower of Bauhinia blakeana was adopted as the emblem of Hong Kong in 1965.

See Article about Bauhinia blakeana.

See video about Hong Kong Orchid Tree

Learn more: Bauhinias: trees with Orchid Flowers and Butterfly Wings

Bauhinia divaricata

A beautiful, small tree with small pink and white flowers. Ideal for spaces where they can be observed and appreciated up close.

See article about bauhinias.