Prosthechea fragrans, Encyclia fragrans, Anacheilium fragrans

Prosthechea prismatocarpa, Encyclia prismatocarpa, Panarica prismatocarpa

This unique orchid is native to Central America, mainly in the Nicaraguan forests and Central American low-lying areas, growing in the low-lying and humid tropical rainforests. The Prosthechea prismatocarpa (Appendage Orchid) is a semi-shade lover and needs regular water throughout the year, and loves humid air. It prefers to be grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9-11.

This small plant produces beautiful, fragrant white or off-white flowers with yellow and orange spots. The flowers often reach 1-2 inches in size and come in clusters. It blooms during the summer and winter months, providing a stunningly sweet and fragrant display in your garden.

Prosthechea prismatocarpa is an epiphyte and is best grown on a tree or in an orchid pot with a medium such as fir bark. Ensure the potting mix and tree bark are kept lightly moist and provide regular water to the roots. In winter, do not water plants too much, but you can mist them to add humidity and protect your orchids from drought. During the summer, water regularly and add special orchid fertilizer to give ideal nutritional support.

Prosthechea prismatocarpa is an exquisite and hardy epiphyte that is sure to give your garden an exotic edge. With its fragrant, spotty flowers and easy to maintain care routine, it is a great choice for any avid gardener.

Psychopsis papilio

Psychopsis papilio is a small shrub of up to 2-5 ft in height and originates in the tropical forests of South America. It prefers semi-shade and grows best in well-drained soil. It's an epiphyte, so it needs regular water and air circulation. Its unusual color and tones make it an eye-catching addition to any garden. Its yellow and orange flowers have bright red spots and long, antenna-like sepals and petals. It grows best in USDA Zones 9 through 11.

Growing Psychopsis papilio in colder regions can be a challenge. It needs a protected location and sheltered from extreme winter temperatures. It should be kept in a pot and should be moved indoors during cold winter months. During the cooler months, it should be kept in a cool, bright spot and watered sparingly. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause rotting of the roots. It should also be fertilized once a month during its growing season. Pruning should also be done in early spring to encourage a more bushy growth.

By following the proper plant care techniques, Psychopsis papilio can thrive and be the showstopper of any garden. With its unique color and captivating blooms, it will definitely make a lasting impression.

Renanthera sp.

Renanthera sp. (Fireworks orchid), a small plant native to Southeast Asia that usually grows between 2-5 feet, thrives best in semi-shade with moderate water and good air circulation. This genus is ideally suited for growing in a hanging mount or basket, although they can also be grown in a pot with excellent drainage. The red-crimson to vinous flowers will bloom spectacularly during warmer months and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The Renanthera imschootiana, which is native to the Himalayas, produces yellow-orange flowers that are quite unique and can be grown under cooler conditions.

For growing Renanthera outdoors in cold regions, it is best to plant them in a pot that can be brought indoors when temperatures drop below 40°F. In addition, it is important to keep the soil well drained and moist during heat spells. If the container is large enough, you can add a few inches of potting soil and vermiculite to create good drainage. When overwintering the plant indoors, keep the plant in a warm room and water sparingly, allowing the top layer of soil to dry between watering. Renanthera sp. will thrive in a well-lit environment and should be placed in a south or east-facing window for optimal growth.

Rhynchostylis sp.

Rhynchostylis sp. (Foxtail Orchid) is a small, eye-catching plan. It is native to India, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This orchid is a charming addition to any garden with its distinctively textured, upright flower spikes and produces an array of vibrant colors throughout the year, including pink, white and off-white, blue, lavender, and purple flowers. The fragrant blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

These orchids are easy to care for, as long as they are planted in the correct location and given the right amount of water. To ensure proper care, it is recommended to choose well-drained orchid mix substrate and a container with adequate drainage holes. Place the container in an area that receives bright indirect sunlight, either outdoors or indoors. Keep the plant moist, but not soggy, during the growing season. Water heavily during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer.

Rhynchostylis sp. is suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. In cold regions, it is best to keep the Foxtail Orchid as a potted plant and bring it indoors during the winter months. For optimal growth, move the potted plant to a sunny spot near a window. Alternatively, you can place a grow light nearby to provide extra light. Water sparingly during the winter, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Fertilize the orchid monthly to provide essential nutrients.

With the right care, this beautiful and exotic orchid will bring a unique and vibrant touch to your garden.

Sarcochilus sp.

The genus Sarcochilus consisting of 25 species endemic to Northern Australia, Eastern Australia, Tasmania and New Caledonia.

All of the lithophytic, and some of the epiphytic, Sarcochilus can be successfully grown in pots.

Sobralia sp.

Sobralia are a genus of plants native to Central and South America, and the Caribbean basin. They are small shrubs or perennial herbs, normally growing to a height of between 2 and 5 feet. They like semi-shade and require regular watering to thrive. The species of Sobralia are flowers of various colors: pink, white, off-white, blue, lavender, purple, red, crimson, and vinous, as well as yellow and orange.

In terms of growing and plant care of Sobralia, they are easily cultivated in pots or gardens in USDA zone 9-11, particularly if you have the correct soil and light requirements. Sobralia can withstand periods of cool weather, and are known to have tough leaves that make them tolerant of drought and frost. In colder climates, growing Sobralia in a pot and sheltering it from cold winds may be appropriate for optimal health and growth. In these spots, a potting soil that drains well, but stays moist, is ideal. Additionally, a layer of mulch will help protect the roots from harsh winter temperatures. To keep the soil moist, providing regular, but not excessive, waterings is recommended.

In general, Sobralia plants thrive when given the correct growing conditions and soil types, as well as adequate water, fertilizations and protection from cold weather. With the correct growing requirements, Sobralia can bring amazing color and life to your garden.

Sophronitis coccinea, Sophronitis grandiflora, Cattleya coccinea

Sophronitis coccinea is found in the tropical cloud forest near the coast, in areas with lots of fog and high humidity during all the year.

Good ventilation, cool to cold temperatures, bright light and a wet environment with regular fertilizer year round will keep this minature plant thriving.

Spathoglottis kimballiana

Large heavy textured bright yellow flowers.

Spathoglottis plicata

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Close

Spathoglottis plicata is the most common terrestrial (ground dwelling) orchid. Softly textured, pleated leaves to 3Ft long emerge in February from egg-shaped pseudobulbs about 2" in diameter. The flowers range in color from white to purple and are borne on erect spikes to 3 ft tall. Flowers open a few at a time at the top of the stem and each stem can last for months. In Sri Lanka to the Pacific Islands it blooms throughout the year. Over the last century, Spathoglottis plicata has become naturalized in tropical and semitropical areas of the U.S., such as in Hawaii and Florida, where it grows in the wild and is used for landscaping. S. plicata was among the first plants to recolonize the land around Mt. Krakatoa after this mighty volcano exploded in 1883 and decimated the Indonesian island of Krakatau.

See video about Ground Orchids.