Vanda is a genus of epiphytic, evergreen orchids that bear large showy flowers with intricately colored sepals. Flowers appear on a long spike in succession which means Vanda produces fresh flowers over an extended period. Vanda usually blooms twice a year. Vanda flower colors include blue, deep mauve and indigo, pinkish purple, violet-blue, and pale yellow. […] More
Odontoglossum is a genus of epiphytic orchids that bear ruffled flowers that are generally white but also yellow, brown, or pink. Flowers are borne on erect or arching stalks; a vigorous plant may even produce 2 flower stalks per pseudobulb, usually 12 or more flowers in a raceme. Odontoglossum needs bright light but not direct sunlight. […] More
Lycaste is a genus of epiphytic or terrestrial orchids that bear long-lasting flowers that are often green but also pink, white, yellow, or brown. Flowers are large, triangular, waxy, and fragrant. Flowers are borne singly on leafless stems. Lycastes are deciduous to some degree. Yellow-flowered species like Lycaste aromatica flower from leafless pseudobulbs. Evergreen types such […] More
Cryptanthus, commonly known as Earth Stars, is a genus of small, terrestrial bromeliads known for their rosette of star-shaped, low-growing foliage. Native to Brazil, these plants are admired for their striking patterns, colors, and textures. Unlike many bromeliads that are epiphytic (growing on other plants), Cryptanthus species grow directly in the soil, making them a […] More
Epidendrum is a large genus of terrestrial or epiphytic orchids that are easily grown, and produce compact clusters of small, sweetly scented flowers that last up to several months on the plant. Epidendrum is a genus of more than 1,000 species. Some have pseudobulbs or thickened stems, others having canelike stems. Epidendrums with reed-like stems tend to grow too tall for […] More
Billbergia is a genus of bromeliads known for their tall, tubular rosettes and striking flower displays. Native to South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, Billbergias are often grown for their dramatic flowers and beautiful foliage. These hardy plants are versatile, thriving both indoors as houseplants and outdoors in gardens, particularly in tropical or subtropical climates. […] More
Coelogyne is a genus of tree-dwelling (epiphytic) orchids that bear cascades of fragrant white or yellow flowers in pendent racemes. Coelogyne are cool- to intermediate -growing orchids. They can withstand outdoor temperatures to 59°F (15°C). In cooler regions, they should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse. They are best grown in epiphytic orchid potting mix […] More
Dendrobium is a genus of epiphytic and terrestrial orchids that produce single to many-flowered racemes or dense clusters of showy flowers mainly in spring. Individual flowers are 1 to 3 inches across and often twisted or curled. Dendrobium is a genus of about 900 species. Some are deciduous plants that flower on leafless growths made […] More
Ananas–commonly called pineapple–is an evergreen, perennial bromeliad grown for its fruit in tropical and subtropical regions and for its foliage in cooler climates. Ananas produces rigid, strap-shaped leaves that form rosettes out of which rise large, dense oblong heads of tiny tubular flowers. The flowers are replaced by fleshy, succulent pineapples. Ananas flower spike bearing […] More
Cymbidium are terrestrial orchids with long-lasting blooms. They are easy to grow and grow freely outdoors in frost-free regions. In cold-winter regions, Cymbidiums can be grown indoors or in a greenhouse and set outdoors in summer. Cymbidiums are cool-growing orchids. There are hundreds of winter or spring-blooming Cymbidium hybrids. Large Cymbidium species and hybrids have flowers […] More
Oncidium is a free-flowering orchid. Most produce long spikes of yellow flowers spotted or striped with brown; a few have white or rose-colored blooms. Blossoms may be small and numerous or large and sparse. Oncidium is recommended for beginners because it is easy to grow and tolerates a wide range of growing conditions. It can be grown […] More
Miltonia is a genus of evergreen tree-growing (epiphytic) orchids that bear star-shaped, sometimes fragrant flowers on erect racemes. Miltonia are native to tropical regions of Brazil; a related genus Miltoniopsis is very similar but native to the cool regions of Costa Rica and Peru. Miltonia commonly have white, yellow, or greenish-yellow flowers; the flowers are often […] More
Stephen Albert