Spathoglottis sp.

Spathoglottis sp. is a small shrub that can grow between 2-5 ft (0.6-1.5 m) tall. It has large clusters of long-lived flowers with distinct colors, such as pink, white, off-white, red, crimson, vinous and yellow-orange. Being a tropical plant, it needs heat and high humidity, but can tolerate semi-shade. Thus it is the ideal choice for the tropical and sub-tropical regions USDA Zone: 9-11.

Spathoglottis sp. requires regular watering and mulching to maintain humidity and minimize weeds. If grown in a pot, it is advised to use a medium-sized container with good drainage. To ensure that your plant grows in cold regions, use a pot with a plastic cover to keep the heat trapped and help resist cold temperatures. For general care, you should prune the stems for the correct size and shape and remove old, withered flowers regularly.

The Spathoglottis sp. is a stunning plant, and easy to look after. It will be a delightful addition to any garden or houseplant collection with its pleasant and vibrant colors. With proper care, it will reward you with its long-lasting, magnificent flowers.

Spiranthes odorata

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Spiranthes odorata, also known as Marsh Lady's Tresses, is a small plant native to southeastern North America. It can reach heights between two and five feet, and thrives in full sun or semi-shade. In addition to its attractive white or off-white flowers, it is also known for its very pleasant and lingering scent.

This graceful little beauty will bloom reliably in USDA Zones 5-9 and can be grown in a bog or aquatic conditions, provided that it is kept sufficiently moist. It can be used to great effect in moist woodland gardens or wooded slopes, or may be planted near the edge of a pond, stream or water garden to add a special charm.

For those living in colder climes, it can still be grown in pots. It will then need to be brought indoors for overwintering and stored in a cool, bright location against a north facing wall. Fertilizing it once a month with a diluted liquid fertilizer should keep it in good health.

All in all, Spiranthes odorata is a beautiful and low maintenance addition to the home garden, adding a delightful scent and delicate charm.

Stanhopea sp.

Stanhopea sp. prefers a semi-shade exposure, filtered light with a few hours of morning or late afternoon sun.

These small plants grow 2-5 feet tall and typically are epiphytic in nature. Stanhopea should be grown in a medium that is open and rapidly draining, such as fir bark or cork mounted on cork slabs, mounted boards or tree fern slabs. Stanhopea thrives in heat and humidity, and should be grown in USDA Zones 9-11. Watering should be regular so as to keep the growing medium moderately moist but never wet.

Stanhopea is known for its unusual, large and fragrant flowers that are usually a combination of white, off-white, red, crimson and vinous, yellow, orange, and other colors. The flowers generally last from multiple days up to a couple of weeks. The fragrant flowers of Stanhopea will open in the morning, and close up at early evening.

For those in colder regions, Stanhopea can be grown indoors in pots, but it should be kept warm, and given plenty of indirect light and high humidity. Watering should also be regular, and just enough to keep the roots lightly moist but never waterlogged. It is important to keep the environmental temperature above or around 70°F to ensure successful growth and blooming of Stanhopea.

Stelis megachlamys, Pleurothallis megachlamys, Dracontia tuerckheimii

Tolumnia sp.

Previously known as the "equitant Oncidiums," the species were segregated from the mega-genus Oncidium.

Unknown 101

Vanda flabellata, Aerides flabellata

This is a very fragrant orchid with beautiful, long lasting blooms. Sepals and petals are yellow to yellow-green variously spotted and overlaid chestnut to mahogany. The labellium will be white variously spotted purple.

Vanda sp.

Vandas have about 50 species, from which the many hybrids are derived from the tropics Asia and the orient as far down as Australia, they require warm growing conditions with plenty of bright light. Normally they grow best suspended in wooden baskets. They need lots of light, but will still burn when the sun reaches them through glass, so some shading is necessary, the correct level of shading has been reached when on a sunny day, your hand will cast a shadow on the plant but without a definate edge. Grow them high up, but dont forget to give them good air circulation.

Vandas like it hot, minimum night temps may fall to 55 deg. as long as the plant is thoroughly dry by nightfall and daytime temperatures in the 80s is quite ok.

See Orchid page for pictures of different orchids and care info.

Intergeneric hybrids:

Ascocenda (Ascocentrum x Vanda)

Aranda (Arachnis x Vanda)

Mokara (Arachnis x Ascocentrum x Vanda)

Kagawara (Ascocentrum x Renanthera x Vanda)

The Vanda Alliance is made up mostly of warm- and full-sun-growing orchids with colorful flowers. Originating in tropical Asia, they are easily grown in warm climates.

Vanilla dilloniana

Vanilla dilloniana, commonly known as Dillon's Vanilla, is distributed throughout the West Indies and had been reported on the banks of the Miami River in South Florida. Shoots form a multi-branched, leafless vine that can reach lengths up to 15 ft. The light green flowers are similar to Vanilla barbellata but the petals and sepals are longer and the fluted lip is a deep reddish-purple with a yellow crest. This orchid grows in areas with a limestone substrate, such as coastal berms and hardwood hammocks.

Vanilla dilloniana is considered vulnerable across its range and endangered in Florida. Although this species may be extirpated in Florida, pieces of plants from the original colony have been shared and may be found in local collections.

See the Video of Robert Riefer's unique specimen, the biggest potted specimen in the World, grown in 100 gal pot, originated in 1927, awarded in 2011 with CHM (Certificate of Horticultural Merit) by American Orchid Society.

Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla fragrans

This leafy climbing orchid from hot, wet tropical America is grown for its pods which, when dried, become the commercial vanilla. The flowers are hand pollinated. The Aztec Indians in Mexico used Vanilla Pods to flavor their chocolate drink 'Xoco-latl'. Vanilla was introduced to Europe, and French started to grow it in Africa. Vanilla Pods are picked green when they have no scent. The lengthy curing process, which develops fragrant aroma, is one reason for its high cost. Vanilla was believed to be a tonic for the brain. They need a large pot and support for climbing. If really happy, Vanilla planifolia can exceed 100 feet in length in just a few years. They flower only when mature, which takes a few years. Propagated generally by cutting. Plant becomes Epiphytic with age. Water freely, less water in winter.

See article about vanilla.