Phaius tankervilleae

This orchid has established itself throughout the Islands mostly in moist forests. This plant forms large clumps with inflorescences as tall as four feet bearing 10-20 fragrant flowers, opening up in succession. Sword shaped leaves develop as the tall inflorescens of white, rose and brown flowers reaches full bloom in the late spring. The species produces a new plant on a short bulb-like runner every year and flowers magnificently during March and April. It prefers the shade of trees and can take a long dry period before the flowering season. Use it for mass plantings or as a speciment in part shade. It is also good used as a potted plant.

See video about Ground Orchids.

Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi

Naturally found growing as an epiphyte or lithophyte, this fragrant orchid is native to forested regions from India to Indonesia and the Philippines. The stalks resemble slender deer antlers, and seven to twelve flowers dot each branch. Beautiful, glossy, deep red flowers with slight yellow markings.

It is a true epiphyte that grows best mounted on a tree trunk, cork slab or nestled in a slatted basket or pot.

Phalaenopsis parishii, Aerides decumbens

This popular, small shrub grows 2-5 feet in width and height. Phalaenopsis parishii is a semishade loving species and thrives best in a slightly moist environment with enough air circulation. The plant boasts beautiful and fragrant white or off-white flowers with a hint of lavender, purple and blue, measuring 3-4 cm in diameter.

Although the plant can be found thriving in warm regions, it can also be grown in cold areas with the right level of care. To grow Phalaenopsis parishii in cold regions, it is recommended to put the flowerpot in warm regions or alternatively, use lightweight soil and take the pot inside a warm spot during the night. Adding humidity around the flowerpot is also a great way to improve growing success of this plant. Another important task is to ensure the soil is well drained, so it does not get sogged and stops the roots from breathing. In terms of lighting, the plant loves bright and indirect sunlight, something like the warm bright morning or late afternoon sun.

In order to bear plenty of fragrant flowers and keep growing, Phalaenopsis parishii needs regular fertilization. Best time to fertilize the plant it is when it is actively growing, when it is blooming and when it is slightly resting. Always use watering-soluble balanced fertilizers, like 10-10-10, in half strength and apply once a month. Also, since the plant loves lots of water, make sure its soil is always damp.

Overall, Phalaenopsis parishii is a wonderful and exotic addition to the garden and a great houseplant that can grow in both warm and cold regions. With the right care and fertilization, it will look its best and start blooming wonderful flowers year-round.

Phalaenopsis sp.

These are definately warm growers who like to be shaded, the perfect houseplant, and very free flowering. These orchids are the easiest and most rewarding of the family for the home grower as they produce arching spikes of ten or more flowers as often as three times a year. In nature there are just under 50 wild species which are found from India eastwards through the Philippines and into Northern Australia. The name Phalaenopsis is from the Greek and means moth-like. The plants are shade-loving and grow on branches or on rocks where the air is warm and moist. Phalaenopsis plants do not have pseudobulbs and the strength of the plant is in its large, leathery leaves and thick roots. New leaves appear slowly and regularly over each other and are generally a deep green but occasionally can he attractively mottled. The flowers appear on a spike from the stem between the leaves and, depending on the type, there may be anything from a single flower to over a hundred. When flowering has finished, or ideally has one or two flowers left, you can trim off the spike to around 1 inch from just above the first node on the main spike stem, that will be somewhere below where the first flower appeared, and is a little bump covered by a small leaflet, it may re spike and flower early from there, or if the spike has died fully and gone brown, trim off the flower spikes to within 1 inch from where they appeared out of the side of the plant, and look after it, it should re bloom on new spikes next year; occasionally a flower bud will develop into a small plant with roots which can be cut off and potted up. These propagations may flower within a couple of years. Many hundreds of hybrids have been bred, and the trade in Phalaenopsis is a huge pot-plant market because of the ease of cultivation as house plants.

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

Pholidota chinensis, Coelogyne chinensis

Pholidota chinensis is an easy growing, tough plant and can produce a mass of pendulous spikes, each with up to 20 small white to pinkish flowers.

Pholidota imbricata, Coelogyne imbricata, Pholidota bracteata, Pholidota crotalina

Native to the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and Australia, Pholidota imbricata is a small shrub, which typically grows between 2-5 feet tall and about 12-24 inches wide. It is an epiphytic stemless orchid and must be provided support for the stem to cling to, such as a tree branch, moss or other plants. As a semi shade loving species, this orchid prefers indirect light, in partial shade or filtered sunlight, and should not be exposed to direct and intense sunlight.

When it comes to temperature and humidity, Pholidota imbricata prefers lows 70°F in summer and can tolerate as low as 50°F in winter. It's best to provide it with high humidity levels and regular water with an evenly moist soil mix. Watering can be done roughly every other day and during growing season, more frequent watering should be provided. During the dry season, water less and drench the pot when it's needed.

The flowers produced by Pholidota imbricata are quite small and they grow in umbels, either stalkless or borne on a slender peduncle. The flower colors are white, off-white, yellow, and orange and they have a slightly musky scent. Apart from its ornamental value, it also has ethnomedical benefit and has been used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic benefits.

When it comes to growing Pholidota imbricata in a pot, there are certain requirements that need to be met. In cold regions, using a good quality soil, providing the orchid with adequate light and allowing the soil to dry before watering the pot again is necessary. You may need to bring the pot into a sheltered area during the cold winter months for protection. Alternating between a light and a dark period is also important for stimulating blooms.

Phragmipedium sp.

Pleione sp.

The big, showy flowers originate from new shoots formed at the base of the pseudobulb. They are pink to purplish, white or yellow, while the fringed, tubular lip is often paler or white, with yellow, red or purple dots and stripes.

They are very closely related to the genus Coelogyne and were once considered part of it.

Pleurothallis sp.

Pleurothallis sp. is a small flowering plant native to South America, Central America, and Mexico. The flowers of the Pleurothallis sp. are small and delicate, appearing in shades of pink, white, and off-white. They stand out against the foliage and make a pleasing addition to any garden. The plant can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Once established, it has a low-maintenance care routine and is adaptable to diverse conditions.

In colder climates, the Pleurothallis sp. can be grown in a pot and brought indoors. When kept in a pot, it should be planted in a coarse mixture with plenty of aeration and drainage. It should be given bright light and moderate watering while indoors.

The Pleurothallis sp. is a versatile plant and a great addition to any garden due to its unique appearance and low-maintenance care needs. Its striking flowers and interesting foliage bring a unique ambiance to any space.

As a group, they show a range in vegetative form, including terrestrial or epiphytic plants that can be tall cane-like plants, clumped or trailing, pendent or climbing, erect or creeping, tufted and tiny, or delicate moss-like species that can grow on the thinnest of twigs.

Prosthechea cochleata, Encyclia cochleata

These orchids are native to Central America and can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11 outdoors. They prefer semi-shade and regular water.

In cold regions, Prosthechea cochleata (Cockle Orchid) can be grown successfully in pots, either outdoors in the summer or indoors in the winter. To ensure success, the plant should be given plenty of humidity. It is important to provide sufficient drainage and light for the plant, and to ensure the soil does not become overly dry between waterings.

The flowers of Prosthechea cochleata are small but attractive, and come in shades of pale pink, yellow and green. The unusual shape of the flowers, resembling an octopus, is one of the main attractions of this orchid. The blooming season lasts from late spring to early summer.

Overall, Prosthechea cochleata is an unusual, low maintenance plant that can bring a unique touch to a garden or home. It is easy to grow and care for, and can provide months of enjoyment with its unusual flowers.