Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Fragrant
Orchids
A Guide to
Selecting, Growing,
and Enjoying
Steven A. Frowine
TIMBER PRESS
Copyright © 2005 by Steven A. Frowine. All rights reserved.
Published in 2005 by
Timber Press, Inc.
The Haseltine Building
133 S.W. Second Avenue, Suite 450
Portland, Oregon 97204-3527, U.S.A.
www.timberpress.com
For contact information for editorial, marketing, sales, and distribution
in the United Kingdom, see www.timberpress.com/uk.
Frowine, Steven A.
Fragrant orchids : a guide to selecting, growing, and enjoying / Steven A. Frowine.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.
ISBN 0-88192-739-2 (hardback)
1. Orchids. 2. Aromatic plants. 3. Orchid culture. I. Title.
SB406.F67 2005
635.9'344—dc22
2005001444
A catalog record for this book is also available from the British Library.
Contents
Acknowledgments 7
Chapter 1 Fragrance Facts and Fancy 9
Chapter 2 Selecting and Buying Orchids 19
Chapter 3 The Basics of Growing Orchids 26
Chapter 4 The Cattleya Alliance 44
Chapter 5 The Dendrobium Tribe 67
Chapter 6 The Oncidium Alliance 79
Chapter 7 The Vanda/Phalaenopsis Alliance 97
Chapter 8 Other Orchids 120
Appendix A Orchids by Ease of Culture 141
Appendix B Orchids by Light Requirements 148
Appendix C Orchids by Nighttime Temperature Preferences 155
Appendix D Orchids by Intensity of Fragrance 162
Appendix E Orchids by Time of Fragrance 171
Appendix F Orchids by Season of Bloom 178
Appendix G Sources for Fragrant Orchids 185
Glossary 189
Bibliography 191
Plant Name Index 195
To my mother, Janet Allen Frowine, and deceased father,
Samuel E. Frowine, for encouraging me to pursue my love and
passion for the cultivation and appreciation of plants.
My father bought me my first orchids from
Alberts and Merkel Brothers in Boynton Beach, Florida,
when I was a teenager while on a family vacation.
He had a fluorescent light fixture installed in our basement
where I grew these orchids and other tropicals.
I truly felt my little “indoor greenhouse” was
a magical place.
7
Chapter 1
9
10 Chapter 1
and in that time, molecules of odor flood through our systems. Inhaling
and exhaling, we smell odors. Smells coat us, swirl around us, enter our
bodies, emanate from us. We live in a constant wash of them.
Our sense of smell is most acute between the ages of 20 to 40. In general,
men seem to have less perceptive noses than females. Three scientists from
the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia postulated that odor
pleasantness evaluations were better perceived by the right nostril and that
odor name or recognitions was perceived by the left nostril (Herz et al. 1999).
from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute titled Seeing, Hearing and Smelling
the World (1995) states,
Our culture places such a low value on olfaction that we have never
developed a proper vocabulary for it. In A Natural History of the Senses,
Diane Ackerman notes that it is impossible to explain how something
smells to someone who hasn’t smelled it. There are names for all pastels
in a hue, she writes—but none for the tones and tints of smell. Nor can
odors be measured on a kind of linear scale that scientists use to meas-
ure the wavelength of light or the frequency of sounds.
Some scientists have attempted to assign word descriptors to scents, with
varying success. Carolus Linnaeus (1707–1778) is best known for his develop-
ment of the binomial classification system used by life scientists throughout
the world. Few people are aware that he also developed one of the first systems
of categorizing odors. He placed them in seven groups:
• Camphoraceous
• Musky
• Floral
• Pepperminty
• Ethereal
• Pungent
• Putrid
More recently, Roman Kaiser, a fragrance and flavor chemist, in his book, The
Scent of Orchids, Olfactory, and Chemical Investigations (1993), described four
basic orchid scents according to “olfactory and chemical criteria”: white-floral,
rosy-floral, ionone-floral, and spicy-floral.
White-floral is the fragrance found frequently with white flowers. Most
common examples include jasmine, gardenia, honeysuckle, and orange blos-
soms. These highly and pleasantly scented flowers are often most potent in
the evening or at night and, as is commonly the case with white flowers, are
night pollinated. Among orchids this group would include the genera
Aerangis, Angraecum, and Brassavola.
The rosy-floral scent is derived from roses, specifically Rosa centifolia, R.
damascena, and R. gallica. Other rose species, like those of Chinese descent
and including many of the hybrid teas in our gardens, do not share this same
scent. Among the flowers that fall in this category of scents are cyclamen, lily-
of-the-valley, and sweet pea. The scents from this group are at their strongest
during the day when it is sunny and warm.
The third group, the ionone-floral, is found in orange-yellow and yellow-
brown flowers. It includes the heavy fragrance of freesia and Osmanthus fra-
grans. This group can cause olfactory overload so that after a few seconds of
12 Chapter 1
The ease of growing and blooming combined with the luscious chocolate scent make
Oncidium Sharry Baby one of the most popular orchids in the world.
But it is true that many of the most fragrant orchids are, indeed, white, pink,
and pale yellow.
There can be variation even with the same species; some selections are
more fragrant than others. Also, there is much variation among people regard-
ing their individual abilities to detect different scents. And what one person
will describe as a heavenly aroma, another may find repugnant.
A Word of Caution
I wish I could say that I am 100 percent certain of all the fragrance descrip-
tions, but I am not. This subject is not pure science; much of it is anecdotal
and personal opinions. We are breaking new ground with this book and I
expect and welcome feedback from readers who disagree or have other opin-
ions as to the description or intensity of the fragrance.
Chapter 2
This is the fun part, but doing it right requires homework before you step foot
in an orchid supplier’s greenhouse or place an order with a mail-order com-
pany. Once this happens all reason loses out to the excitement of the moment.
To buy orchids that strike your fancy, without first thinking through what fits
your needs, growing requirements, and available space will frequently result
in disappointing results. The orchid family is huge—in the tens of thousands!
This is great in that the possibilities are vast, but the downside is that the
choice can be daunting. To make the best selection you must know your pref-
erences and consider the limitations of your growing area so you can choose
orchids that will perform best under your conditions.
19
20 Chapter 2
If you are a beginning orchid grower look over those orchids listed as
being easy. As you get more confident and experienced you can try out some
of the others. See appendix A, Orchids by Ease of Culture.
Light
If you have a greenhouse, you can grow all the orchids mentioned in this book;
they will receive sufficient light in such a setting to grow fine. If you grow
plants under lights or on a windowsill, you will be somewhat limited in your
choice of plants by the lower light intensity of these situations.
While all orchids can be grown under the right light setup, especially using
HID (High Intensity Discharge) lights, there still is the practical consideration
of the cost of electricity. Most orchid growers who use lights choose systems
with fluorescent lights because of the purchasing and operating costs. This be-
ing the case, those orchids requiring low light will do great, while those requir-
ing medium light will do OK if they are not too tall, under 12 inches (30 cm).
For windowsill gardeners, the amount of light available for growing
orchids depends upon the direction your windows face and how large they
are. If you have a spacious, unobstructed south-facing window that receives at
least five to six hours of sunlight, then orchids requiring high light are a pos-
sibility. For most other window exposures, the orchids preferring medium to
low light intensity will be the better choice.
See appendix B, Orchids by Light Requirements, to help you choose.
Temperature
Greenhouse owners in most parts of the country find that orchids in the inter-
mediate temperature range, 55–60ºF (13–15ºC) night temperature, 65–75ºF
(18–24ºC) during the day—are the logical choice. Fortunately, most orchids in
cultivation are in this category. All greenhouses have microclimates that are
warmer or cooler than average. In these spots you can grow some of the
orchids with warmer or cooler temperature requirements. For growers in very
hot climates such as southern Texas, southern Florida, and Arizona, it is a
real challenge to grow the orchids requiring cool night temperature. Without
heroic efforts on the grower’s part, these orchids usually suffer a slow death in
such climates.
Most indoor gardeners will also find the intermediate-temperature orchids
easiest to manage. If the air temperature is on the cool side, warmer orchids,
like Phalaenopsis, can be successfully grown by placing their pots on water-
proof heating pads used for seed starting. These pads increase the media and
root zone temperature by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit (5–8 degrees Celsius)
without the cost of heating the entire growing area.
Selecting and Buying Orchids 21
Size of Plant
A large cattleya in full bloom is a spectacular sight, but whether it will fit in
your growing space is an important consideration. If you are growing in a
greenhouse, windowsill, or under HID lights, a large cattleya probably will
probably fit, but how much space do you want to take up with one plant?
Under fluorescent light carts, such a plant is not likely to be suitable. The
plant may not fit under the light unit, and even if it does, the lower leaves will
not likely receive enough light for the plant to grow and bloom well. Fortu-
nately, breeding compact plants has become a very important criteria to orchid
hybridizers today, so many of these more space efficient orchids of all types are
now available.
Favorite Colors
Orchids come in such a myriad of colors, why settle for anything less than
your favorite colors? When choosing orchids for color, remember that the type
of light under which you view plants makes a big difference as to how the col-
ors appear. All colors look accurate in diffused natural light, but regular fluo-
rescent lights make reds pale and blues darker, and incandescent lights make
reds redder and blues dull. Also, be aware that orchids will not frequently
reach their true color until they have been open for several days.
Nobody ever has enough blue-flowering plants, and very few of them are fragrant, like
this one, Neostylis Lou Sneary ‘Blue Moon’. A compact grower, this orchid is perfect for
lights or a windowsill.
Selecting and Buying Orchids 23
Favorite Fragrances
Fragrance preference is very personal. A scent that may be heavenly to one
person may be non-existent or nauseating to another. Check out appendix D,
Orchids by Intensity of Fragrance, where fragrance descriptions are also given.
or dry period for a few to several weeks. This treatment mimics what the
plants would face in their natural habitats during winter when temperatures
naturally cool off or in tropical areas where plants go through a dry season.
Large-scale producers of orchids like the hybrid Phalaenopsis can deliver
blooming plants year-round by temperature manipulation. To some degree
this is possible with many orchids, especially the hybrids. Some of the species
adhere more to their natural biological clocks.
could bloom within a year; BS plants within six months. To be sure your sup-
plier agrees with these definitions, ask him or her how long it will be before
the plants bloom.
Orchids have been given a bad rap. Many people still feel these plants are
reserved for wealthy individuals who are endowed with a fancy greenhouse
and deep pockets. While it’s true that some folks spend an unimaginable
amount of money on this hobby (or obsession), wealth is not a requirement.
Modern production techniques have made better-quality, easier-to-grow vari-
eties of orchids available at prices at or below what they were ten to twenty years
ago. Award-quality clones can be purchased for the price of a shrub, and they
are available at a variety of sources ranging from home supply stores to special-
ist growers. Orchids have become plants that anyone with a sunny windowsill
or fluorescent light setup can afford and enjoy. They have rapidly become one
of America and Europe’s most popular houseplants; in fact, in the United
States, they are now the second most popular blooming plant next to poinset-
tias! And unlike poinsettias, their popularity and sales are climbing every year.
Orchids are not difficult to grow. They just have cultural requirements
that must be met, like all plants. In this chapter I will present fundamental
orchid growing information, based largely on my own experience of growing
orchids in a greenhouse, under lights, and in windowsills for about 40 years.
Fortunately, many fine books are available on basic orchid care that you can
consult for more detailed information. Check out the American Orchid Soci-
ety’s Web site and their bookstore for some sound advice on book selection
based on your level of knowledge, what part of the country you live in, and
which types of orchids you prefer to grow.
Sufficient Light
Light is one of the most critical cultural requirements for orchids as it is for all
green plants. It, along with water and carbon dioxide (CO2), are the raw mate-
rial plants use to produce their food. Providing sufficient light is the cultural
26
The Basics of Growing Orchids 27
summer. For example, to grow an orchid requiring very high light, the last
category in this chart, you would subtract 45 percent from 100 percent, leav-
ing 55 percent. That is, an orchid requiring very high light should be grown in
a greenhouse under shading with a shade density of 55 percent. Finally, light
levels for plants grown under fluorescent lights were calculated in number of
watts per square meter (9.84 square feet) rather than in foot candles.
Notice that the long distance between the leaves on A paphiopedilum leaf with a round or
the stem of this paphiopedilum causes a ladder oval brown spot caused by too much
effect. This is the result of insufficient light. light or sunburn.
light the leaves turn a yellow-green or take on a reddish cast and may appear
stunted. In extreme cases, the leaves show circular or oval sunburn spots. The
“sunburn” is actually caused by the leaf overheating and although, in itself,
this leaf damage may not cause extreme harm to the plant if it is isolated to a
small area, it does make the plant unsightly.
If the sunburn occurs at the growing point, it can kill that lead or the entire
plant. It is possible to grow orchids under higher-than-usual light intensities
if the ventilation is increased to lower the elevated leaf temperatures. Some
orchid cut flower growers “push” their orchids to produce the maximum num-
ber of blooms by growing plants under the highest light intensity that does not
burn them. Most hobby growers, however, want a plant that has attractive
foliage and flowers and thus do not follow this practice.
tubes is the best option because they are bright and very inexpensive. With the
introduction of Sylvania’s Gro-Lux tubes, designed to provide light that more
closely reflected the spectrum of light that plants used in photosynthesis, a
new race began to produce the “best” plant bulb. The evolution of lamps has
gone from Gro-Lux to wide spectrum types and now to the full spectrum
bulbs. Reputedly the light cast by the full spectrum lamp most closely resem-
bles natural sunlight. Viewed under these lamps, colors of the flowers are ren-
dered more accurately. I have grown orchids well under all three lamp types.
For growers who want flowers to appear most naturally colored under the
lights and don’t mind paying a premium for the lamps, the full spectrum types
are the best choice. The most economical and still satisfactory pick is half
warm white and half cool white lamps. A compromise between these two
options would be a blend of half warm white and cool white tubes and half
wide or full spectrum lamps.
Newer to the artificial light choices are the high intensity discharge (HID)
lights. They are very efficient in their production of light and are especially
useful for growing orchids that require higher light intensities than fluorescent
lamps can provide and/or where greater working distance between the lights
and plants are desired. For much more detail on this topic I recommend
Charles Marden Fitch’s excellent guide Growing Orchid Under Lights (2002) and
Patti Lee’s chapter in The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Orchids (Fitch 2004b).
placed on inverted saucers, quickly sink into the pebbles resulting in the
media in the pots getting soggy and, after repeated waterings, the pebbles
become clogged with algae and are a repository for insects and various disease
organisms. An approach that works much better in my experience is to add
sections of egg crate louvers, sold in home supply stores for diffusing fluores-
cent lights, to the trays. This material can be cut with a hack saw to whatever
size you need, is rigid so will support the plants above the water, exposes more
water to air so more humidity results, and is simply cleaned by removing and
spraying the grating with warm water. To prevent algae or disease buildup, you
can add a disinfectant like Physan to the water in the trays.
Misting is another frequently suggested method for increasing humidity.
This works OK, but must be done several times a day to be effective, since the
water usually evaporates very quickly. A problem with misting is that if your
water source is mineral laden, your orchid’s leaves may become encrusted in
white to the degree that they are unsightly and light is prevented from pene-
trating the leaves. A side benefit to misting is that it can clean the dust from
the leaves and keep down populations of pests like mites that thrive when it is
hot and dry.
the small muffin fans frequently sold for electronic devices are efficient, quiet,
and very inexpensive to operate.
You can now see why this is not an easy question to answer without consider-
ing many different factors.
Watering Techniques
Taking all of the above in consideration, you need to make the decision when
and how much to water. I find the pot weighing method one of the easiest to
learn. This first involves very thoroughly watering the orchid in its pot. Then
“weigh” it by picking it up. Now you know what it feels like when it is saturated
with water. Wait a day or so and weigh it again by picking it up. Feel the differ-
ence in the weight as the medium becomes drier. Keep doing this each day
until you judge, by looking at the surface and sticking your finger into the top
1 inch (2.5 cm) or so of the media and knowing whether this orchid prefers to
be on the damp or dry side, that it is time to water. Note what the weight is
now. Then water thoroughly. This entire process sounds tedious, but you will
be amazed how quickly you catch on. Once you master it, you will always
know the right time to water. Just lift the pot and you will get your answer.
Here are some other watering tips:
• Grow plants of similar type, media, pot type, and sizes in the same area.
This will make watering them easier, since they will have very similar
moisture requirements.
• Water with warm water. Very cold water can cause root and bud shock.
• Always use a water breaker, or for only a few plants, a sprinkling can with
a long spout and a water diffusing rose. These instruments water plants
thoroughly without washing out the media. A huge selection of watering
wands is offered now. I really like the ones with multiple settings on the
head that allow you to drench or mist without changing attachments, and
I find that those equipped with a finger trigger make it easier to regulate
the flow of water than those with an on-and-off valve.
• Never let the water breaker or the end of hose touch the ground. This was
a commandment given to me by my first horticulture professor, D. C.
Kiplinger. He preached that floors and soil are where the pathogens hang
out and a hose can be an all too effective way of spreading them.
• When you water, water thoroughly. The water should pour out from the
bottom of the pot. This method of watering ensures that the media is sat-
urated and flushes out any excessive fertilizer salts.
• Never let an orchid pot sit in water for any length of time. If the pot has a
saucer, make sure to keep the saucer free of water. Excess standing water
will prematurely rot the media and roots and will be a source of accumu-
lating fertilizer salts and pathogens.
• Water the plants early in the day or afternoon when there is adequate time
for the foliage to dry off before nightfall. Wet foliage in the evening is an
invitation for disease.
The Basics of Growing Orchids 37
a heating mat set for 70ºF (21ºC) to provide bottom heat to stimulated rooting.
If disease is a concern, spray the orchid leaves with a disinfectant solution
like Physan. In this environment of 100% humidity the leaves will not dehy-
drate, so there will be no stress on the orchid while it reroots itself. Water the
media only when it gets dry, keep the gravel or moss in the bottom of the ter-
rarium damp, and leave the plant enclosed until new roots growth is very
apparent. This may take a few months. There are no guarantees with this
method, but it has brought back several orchids for me that were in the “hope-
less” category.
what materials are combined to give just the right potting media are just as
varied as everyone’s favorite recipe for brownies. Most all of them will work
OK, but each has its good and bad features. Here are some considerations
and generalizations regarding orchid potting and potting media:
• Determine whether your orchid is a terrestrial or epiphyte. Terrestrials do
better in a heavy, moisture-retaining mix, while epiphytes require excel-
lent drainage.
• Know your watering habits. If you water frequently, use a more free drain-
ing mix, one that contains larger grades of bark, coco chunks, charcoal,
or Aliflor. If you water less often, choose a media that retains more water,
such as sphagnum moss or a finer grade of bark, coco chunks, or charcoal.
• Use fine media for orchids with smaller roots, larger media for orchids
with larger roots.
• Remember that the frequency of repotting varies from eight months to
two years depending on how often you water, how quickly the orchid out-
grows its space, and the type of media used.
• Keep in mind that the best time to repot orchids is when they are putting
out new roots. This is usually immediately after they bloom.
• When repotting, remove all dead or shriveled growths and roots with a
sterile knife. A disposable single-edged razor blade is perfect for this. Use
one blade per plant to prevent disease spread.
by washing them off with warm water. I frequently follow this up with a spray
of insecticidal soap, light horticultural oil, or neem. One of my newest favorite
general insect controls is OrangeGuard, which is basically orange oil. It’s food-
safe; effective on all soft-bodied insects like aphids, scale, and mealy bugs;
and smells great. If you stay on top of insect control in the early stages, you will
rarely have to resort to the more toxic petrochemical choices.
It is basically the same story for diseases. Keep your growing operation
clean and you will greatly reduce your disease problems. Again isolate new
plants, water only during the day and afternoon so the foliage dries by the
evening, be sure you have good air circulation, and use sterile tools when per-
forming any cutting. If you discover a portion of a leaf with a suspicious spot,
remove the affected portion with a new single-edged razor or sharp shears
that have been flame sterilized. Cut the leaf back to at least 1⁄2 inch (1.5 cm) of
healthy tissue, and then spray the plant with a general disinfectant like
Physan. Some growers have successfully treated cuts with cinnamon.
For much more detail on this subject, I highly recommend the superb
American Orchid Society booklet titled Orchid Pests and Diseases (Watson 2002).
Summer Care
Some orchid growers continue growing their plants indoors under lights, in
windowsills, or in the greenhouse throughout the summer. The challenge
during this time is to reduce the light intensity and control the high heat, both
Vandaceous plants can easily be summered over outdoors by hanging them from a free-
standing support or suspended rod against the garage.
The author’s shade house is an 8-foot (2.4-meter) square simply constructed structure
using wood lath and 4- x 4-inch (10- x 10-cm) pressure treated wood posts.
Inside the shade house plants are arranged on stepped wire benches to allow easy
watering, good air circulation, and adequate water drainage.
The Basics of Growing Orchids 43
of which can be damaging. For these reasons, summering the orchids out-
doors is an attractive option. For growers who rely on lights, moving plants
outdoors means a welcome relief from high electric bills and for greenhouse
and windowsill growers it provides an opportunity to clean up the growing
area. Also, most orchids are not in bloom during the summer so they are not
at their best visually and they respond very favorably to a summer vacation
outdoors. I summer my orchids in a lath house constructed of pressure-
treated wood supports and lath.
Shading, usually 50–60 percent or more depending on the location of the
shade house and the types of orchids grown, is very necessary and is provided
by lath or shading fabrics. I also installed in this shade house a watering sys-
tem consisting of multiple small sprayers or misters controlled by a timer
that has a manual override. I grow the plants on stepped wire frame benches
that ensure even lighting and easy watering.
I covered the roof of the lath house with 6-mil clear plastic, which is
stretched over a peaked wooden frame. I used to leave the roof of the lath
house open to receive natural rainfall, but found that it sometimes rained
when I didn’t want it to, at night, when it was too cool or when it was already
wet. The covered roof gives me control to water when it is needed. Besides pro-
viding an opportunity to clean up your indoor growing area, having a space
outdoors allows you to apply heavier duty pest controls, if necessary, without
smelling up your house. Finally, the natural temperature differential between
day and night, especially in the early fall, is very effective in setting flower
buds for the upcoming late fall and winter blooming.
Chapter 4
To many people, especially those from the older generation, the words orchid
and cattleya were synonymous. The first prom or Mother’s Day corsage that
they gave or received was likely purple. In fact the color “orchid” is this purple
hue.
The Cattleya Alliance has long been a favorite of both professional and
amateur orchid growers worldwide because it has one of the widest spectrums
of rich colors and is found with growth habits ranging from miniature to 3 feet
(90 cm) or more. Sweet, heavy fragrance has also frequently been a trademark
of some of the species and many of the hybrids in this group.
Most genera within this illustrious group, including Brassavola, Encyclia,
Epidendrum, and Rhyncholaelia, can be interbred to produce a seemingly end-
less array of color and fragrance combinations.
Since the first cattleya hybrids were made in the mid 1800s by the famous
English company, Veitch Nurseries, breeders have kept up a furious pace of
new introductions with no end in sight. Before cloning made award-quality
plants affordable, the best forms and hybrids commanded sky-high prices.
Today’s hobbyist growers are treated to the finest quality hybrids and clones at
very reasonable prices, and these plants are easier to grow.
Earlier hybridizing efforts, as was case with many other garden flowers,
particularly roses, were primarily focused on producing bigger and more
numerous flowers per stem in a broader range of colors with more vigorous
plants. Little or no effort was made to retain fragrance in these hybrids. Since
fragrance can be a recessive characteristic, the result was that fewer hybrids
retained this most desirable quality. Fortunately, orchid buyers have been
clamoring for the sweet scent of many of the species, and so breeders are
responding with efforts to bring back fragrance in many of today’s hybrids.
In this chapter I present profiles of some of key members of the Cattleya
Alliance, starting with the species, followed by the hybrids. Standard-sized
44
The Cattleya Alliance 45
cattleya hybrids grow 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) on average, but can get larger.
Minicatts (dwarf and miniature cattleya hybrids) range from less than 6 inches
(15 cm) to more than 12 inches (30 cm).
Species
Brassavola flagellaris
Pronunciation: bra-SAH-vo-la
Origin: Brazil
Description and qualities: Produces one of the most pleasing fragrances
of all the orchids.
Intensity of fragrance: Very strong
When fragrant: Evening
Description of fragrance: Hot-chocolate
Flower description: Creamy green petals and sepals with white heart-
shaped lip and a green-yellow throat. Flowers less than 3 inches (7.5 cm)
wide. Inflorescence 3–5 inches (7.5–12.5 cm) tall, bearing three to five
flowers.
Season of bloom: Fall
Mature plant: Skinny, fleshy, semi-pendulous, terete leaves up to 18
inches (45 cm) long.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: High to full sun
Brassavola flagellaris is very fragrant yet not commonly grown. Photo by Allen Black.
46 Chapter 4
Brassavola nodosa
Pronunciation: bra-SAH-vo-la
Aka: Epidendrum nodosum, Brassavola venosa
Origin: Mexico, Central America, Columbia, Venezuela
Common name: Lady of the night
Fragrant offspring: Brassavola Moonlight Perfume (B. nodosa × B. glauca)
Description and qualities: This very popular native of Mexico and South
America is very easy to grow and bloom.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Evening
Description of fragrance: Freesia, lily-of-the-valley
Flower description: Pale green to creamy white flowers with lips some-
times marked purple. Flowers 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) across. Inflores-
cence erect, 8 inches (20 cm) tall, bearing one to six flowers.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: Clump forming, to 18 inches (45 cm) tall but usually much
shorter. Stems and leaves are subterete.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Cattleya guttata
Pronunciation: KAT-lee-a
Aka: Epidendrum elegans, Cattleya elatior
Origin: Brazil
Common name: Spotted cattleya
Description and qualities: A spectacular addition to any collection.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Sweet floral
Flower description: Waxy green flowers with purple spots. The top por-
tion of the lip is white while the bottom is purple. Flowers 2–3 inches
(5–7.5 cm) wide. Inflorescence up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall, bearing five
to six flowers.
Season of bloom: Summer to fall
Mature plant: Medium-sized grower to 24 to 40 inches (60–100 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate to warm
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured cattleya mix
Special cultural tip: Repot only when new roots are forming.
Comment: First collected by Portuguese botanist José Vellozo in Brazil in
1790.
Nature has a way of being dramatic, as Cattleya guttata with its flamboyant
flowers illustrates.
The Cattleya Alliance 49
Cattleya intermedia
Pronunciation: KAT-lee-a
Aka: Cattleya ovata, Cattleya maritima
Origin: Brazil
Common name: Intermediate cattleya
Description and qualities: This
species, which is easy to grow and
bloom, has many color forms, includ-
ing ‘Carlos’, a selected cultivar with a
floral fragrance.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Sweet
floral
Flower description: White to pale
purple flowers up to 6 inches (15 cm)
wide. Inflorescence 10 in. (25 cm)
long, with few to several flowers. Cattleya intermedia var. orlata has an arresting
Season of bloom: Variable purple lip that contrasts with its light pink
petals and sepals.
Mature plant: Stems can reach about
15 inches (40 cm) and leaves about 6
inches (15 cm) long.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium:
Medium-textured orchid mix
Comment: Introduced in 1824 by
Captain Graham and first grown at
the Glasgow Botanic Garden in
Scotland.
Cattleya maxima
Pronunciation: KAT-lee-a
Aka: Epidendrum maximum
Origin: Ecuador, Colombia, Peru
Description and qualities: Consid- An exceptional selection of the species,
ered one of Ecuador’s most beauti- Cattleya maxima ‘Mountainside’ is from the
ful orchids. Vermont orchid growing establishment,
Intensity of fragrance: Strong Mountain Orchids.
50 Chapter 4
A white form of the species, Cattleya walkeriana var. alba has fine shape and super
fragrance. It is used extensively in breeding because of both characteristics.
The Cattleya Alliance 51
Encyclia cordigera
Pronunciation: en-SIK-lee-a
Aka: Encyclia atropurpurea
Origin: Central America, Columbia,
Venezuela, Mexico
Description and qualities: Consid-
ered by many to be the handsomest
Mexican encyclia. Has many color
forms. Produces its strongest fra-
grance in full sunlight.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Honey
and vanilla
Flower description: Deep maroon-
red flowers with bright pink lips.
Flowers about 3 inches (7.5 cm)
wide. Inflorescence 24 inches (60
cm) tall, bearing 2 to 10 flowers.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: Clusters of fat, oblong Vanilla fragrance and easy culture make
pseudobulbs grow 12–15 inches (30- Encyclia cordigera a favorite with beginners
37 cm) tall. and veteran orchid growers.
52 Chapter 4
Encyclia fragrans
Pronunciation: en-SIK-lee-a
Aka: Epidendrum fragrans
Origin: Mexico, Central America, northern South America
Common name: Clamshell orchid
Description and qualities: A cockle-shell orchid that is simple to grow.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Honey, vanilla, gardenia, magnolia, lilac
Flower description: Greenish white sepals and petals with purple stripes
in the lip. Flowers 2 inches (5 cm) across. Inflorescence to 5 inches (13
cm) long, bearing two to eight flowers.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: Reaches up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Easy
The flower of Encyclia fragrans may not be that impressive, but its heavy gardenia
fragrance is.
The Cattleya Alliance 53
Laelia anceps
Pronunciation: LAY-lee-a
Aka: Laelia barkeriana
Origin: Mexico
Common name: El Toro
Description and qualities: This species comes in many color forms.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Primrose, vanilla
Flower description: Light lavender flowers with darker purple lips and
throats. Flowers 2.5–3 inches (6–8
cm) wide. Inflorescence a tall spike
up to 3 feet (1 m) long, bearing flow-
ers in clusters of two to six.
Season of bloom: Fall
Mature plant: A compact plant about
1 foot (30 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Greenhouse,
windowsill
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Well-
drained cattleya mix or mounted
Comment: A hardy orchid to 20ºF
(−6ºC) that is sometimes planted
outdoors in parts of Florida and Cal- Laelia anceps comes in many color forms. This
ifornia. First introduced by Messrs. especially fine selection in the photo comes from
Loddiges in 1835. J & L Orchids in Connecticut.
54 Chapter 4
Laelia perrinii
Pronunciation: LAY-lee-a
Aka: Cattleya perrinii, Cattleya intermedia var. angustifolia
Origin: Central Brazil
Common name: Perrin’s laelia
Description and qualities: A compact grower not yet commonly grown.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Spicy floral
Flower description: Lavender flowers with deep violet-edged trumpet-
shaped lips and with white throats. Flowers up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide.
Inflorescence 3–6 inches (7–15 cm), bearing one to four flowers. The spe-
cies has several color forms including a white (alba) and a blue (coerulea).
Season of bloom: Fall
Mature plant: Reaches about 6 inches (15 cm) high.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured epiphytic mix
Special cultural tip: Prefers warm, wet summers and cooler, drier winters.
Comment: Described by botanist James Bateman in 1847, who named it
after a Mr. Perrin, gardener for R. Harrison.
A compact grower and not yet commonly grown, Laelia perrinii has a light,
spicy, pleasant scent.
The Cattleya Alliance 55
Laelia tenebrosa
Pronunciation: LAY-lee-a
Aka: Laelia grandis var. tenebrosa
Origin: Brazil
Common name: Dark laelia
Description and qualities: This laelia species displays a very wide range
of rich, bright colors in its flowers, from yellow to orange and shades of
red. The lip is also variable in color, but always striking.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Spicy
Flower description: Bronze- or copper-colored flowers, lips trumpet-like
and flaring, white with a purple ring. Flowers up to about 7 inches (18
cm) wide. Inflorescence about 12 inches (30 cm) long, bearing two or
three flowers that last about two weeks.
Season of bloom: Summer to fall
Mature plant: Reaches about 18 inches (45 cm) tall. Leaves sometimes
have a purplish tint.
Ease of culture: Challenging
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Coarse-textured, fast-draining mix
Special cultural tip: Water heavily during the growing season, but keep
on the dry side for about three months during the winter. Increase light
intensity to initiate flowering.
Comment: Described in Orchid Review in 1893 by Robert A. Rolfe.
Other fragrant laelias: L. albida—primrose; L. lundii—floral scent; L.
pumila var. coerulea—light floral; L. purpurata var. werckhauseri—spice,
anise; L. rubescens—wintergreen.
Rhyncholaelia digbyana
Pronunciation: rink-oh-LAY-lee-a
Aka: Brassavola digbyana, Laelia digbyana
Origin: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras
Fragrant offspring: Brassolaeliocattleya Ports of Paradise (Brassolaeliocatt-
leya Fortune × Rhyncholaelia digbyana)
Description and qualities: Very important as a parent to impart its won-
derful fragrance, fringed lip, and large flower size. Ernest Hetherington
(1986a) of Fred E. Stewart Orchids stated, “The delightful fragrance
blends with other species, such as Cattleya dowiana, into a multitude
of pleasing fragrances.”
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Evening
Description of fragrance: Lily-of-the-valley, lemon
Flower description: Apple green flowers with spectacular, unique,
fringed lips. Flowers usually 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) across, but can be
Rhyncholaelia digbyana has passed on its unique fringed lip, lime-colored flower,
and sumptuous fragrance to many modern hybrids.
The Cattleya Alliance 57
up to 7 inches (18 cm). Inflorescence 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) tall, bearing
one flower.
Season of bloom: Spring to summer
Mature plant: Compact habit, up to 14 inches (40 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Challenging
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Mounted on a slab or in very loose, well-
draining medium in a clay pot
Special cultural tip: Keep dry and on the very bright side. Allow plants to
dry out well between waterings.
Comment: Named after Vincent Digby of Minterne in Dorsetshire, Eng-
land, who flowered it for the first time in 1845.
Rhyncholaelia glauca
Pronunciation: rink-oh-LAY-lee-a
Aka: Brassavola glauca
Origin: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras
Description and qualities: Another fragrant beauty that is easier to grow
than its revered cousin, Rhyncholaelia digbyana.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Evening
Description of fragrance: Rose, lily-
of-the-valley, cyclamen, raspberry
Flower description: Pale green flow-
ers with white lips. Flowers about 21⁄2
inches (6.5 cm) wide. Inflorescence
3–6 inches long, with a single flower.
Season of bloom: Spring
Mature plant: Compact habit. Leaves
grow to about 5 inches (12.5 cm) long.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Warm
Recommended potting medium:
Medium-textured epiphytic mix
Comment: Originally found by J.
Henchman in the 1800s in Mexico. Rhyncholaelia glauca is a popular species be-
cause of its sweet fragrance and showy flower.
58 Chapter 4
Hybrids
Brassocattleya Binosa ‘Kirk’ AM/AOS
Pronunciation: brass-oh-KAT-lee-a
Origin: Brassavola nodosa × Cattleya bicolor
Fragrant parents: Both parents
Description and qualities: Binosa is a popular grex because it usually
results in very compact, colorful plants that are also fragrant.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Evening
Description of fragrance: Spicy
Flower description: Bright green sepals and petals, white lips flared and
sprinkled with purple spots. Flowers 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide. Inflores-
cence 4 inches (10 cm) long, with one or two flowers.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: A compact grower, reaching 8–10 inches (20–30 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate to warm
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured, well-drained mix
Other fragrant brassocatttleyas: Bc. Mount Hood—vanilla
Brassocattleya Binosa ‘Kirk’ AM/AOS combines a sweet scent with striking colors.
The Cattleya Alliance 59
Brassolaeliocattleya Goldenzelle
‘Lemon Chiffon’ AM/AOS The dramatic contrast of the rich red lip
Pronunciation: brass-oh-lay-lee-oh- against gold petals makes Brassolaeliocattleya
KAT-lee-a Formosan Gold stand out.
Origin: Brassolaeliocattleya Fortune ×
Cattleya Horace
Description and qualities: The soft
yellow flower of this cattleya makes it
distinct and in demand.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Sweet
floral
Flower description: Lemon yellow
flowers with a splash of deep red on
the lips. Flowers 6 inches (15 cm)
across. Inflorescence 6 inches (15 cm),
bearing one or two flowers.
Season of bloom: Winter The cultivar name of Brassolaeliocattleya Gold-
Mature plant: Standard cattleya size. enzelle ‘Lemon Chiffon’ AM/AOS says it all.
60 Chapter 4
plate 42. Cattleya Chocolate Drop ‘Kodama’ AM/AOS is a fine clone of a very popular
hybrid.
The Cattleya Alliance 63
Laeliocattleya Mari’s Song ‘CTM 217’ HCC/AOS is a favorite among windowsill and
light growers because of its compact habit and colorful show. Photo by Bill Norton.
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Cattleya mix
Comment: One of the more recent fragrant minicatts.
Description and qualities: The genus Potinara has parents from four
different genera—Brassavola, Cattleya, Laelia, and Sophronitis.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Citrus
Flower description: Yellow-green sepals and petals, both with red flares.
Flowers 31⁄2 inches (9-cm) across. Inflorescence 8 inches (20 cm) tall,
three to six flowers.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: A compact grower, about 12 inches (30 cm) high.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse, lights
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured cattleya mix
This group of orchids is immense. With more than 1000 species, the dendro-
biums are one of the largest groups in the orchid family. They hail from the
Old World tropics—China, India, Malaysia, Borneo, New Guinea, New
Zealand, and Australia—and are just now starting to receive the attention
from orchid growers that they deserve. The following is just a sampling of
these impressive orchids.
Species
Bulbophyllum rothschildianum
Pronunciation: bulb-oh-FILL-um
Aka: Cirrhopetalum rothschildianum
Origin: India
Description and qualities: One of the most spectacular Bulbophyllum
species.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Peach, fruity
Flower description: Rusty red flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and up
to 7 inches (17.5 cm) long. Inflorescence is an umbel, 10–12 inches
(26–30 cm) tall, with five or six flowers.
Season of bloom: Summer to fall
Mature plant: Reaches about 12 inches (30 cm) high.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate to warm
67
68 Chapter 5
Dendrobium chrysotoxum
Bulbophyllum rothschildianum ‘Red Chimney’, Pronunciation: den-DROH-bee-um
awarded as Cirrhopetalum rothschildianum ‘Red Origin: India, Thailand
Chimney’ FCC/AOS, is considered one of the Description and qualities: A bril-
finest forms of the species. liant and cheery orchid.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Pine-
apple, melon, mango
Flower description: Butter yellow
flowers with fringed lips and darker
orange throats. Flowers 1 inch (2.5
cm) across, short-lived, no more
than 10 days. Inflorescence a spike
12 inches (30 cm) long, bearing 6 to
12 or more flowers, depending on
the size of the plant.
Season of bloom: Spring to summer
Mature plant: A compact, evergreen
plant.
Dendrobium chrysotoxum shows off bright Ease of culture: Intermediate
yellow fragrant flowers with fringed lips. Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate
The Dendrobium Tribe 69
Dendrobium heterocarpum
Pronunciation: den-DROH-bee-um
Aka: Dendrobium aureum, Dendrobium rhombeum
Origin: India to China, Malaysia, Philippines
Description and qualities: One of the most widely distributed Dendro-
bium species.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Honeysuckle, primrose
Flower description: Creamy yellow flowers with darker yellow lips
streaked with red. Flowers 11⁄2–23⁄4 inches (4–7 cm) across. Inflores-
cence short, 2 inches (5 cm), bearing two to three flowers.
Season of bloom: Winter
Mature plant: Erect canes range 8–16 inches (20–50 cm) high.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured, well-drained epi-
phytic mix
Special cultural tip: Give a dry resting period in the winter and early
spring.
Comment: First described by John Lindley in 1830.
Dendrobium jenkinsii
Pronunciation: den-DROH-bee-um
Aka: Dendrobium lindleyi var. jenkinsii
Origin: India
Dendrobium kingianum
Pronunciation: den-DROH-bee-um
Origin: Australia
Description and qualities: One of the easiest Australian orchids to grow.
Adapts well to a variety of growing situations.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Floral, hyacinth, lilac, honey
Flower description: Flowers display a huge range of colors including pur-
ple, red, white, and striped. They average about 1–11⁄2 inches (2.5–4 cm)
across and last about two weeks. The flowers of some clones or selections
are more fragrant than others. Inflorescence up to 8 inches (20 cm) long,
bearing two to nine flowers.
Season of bloom: Spring
Mature plant: A variable species, from a dwarf growth habit under 6 inches
(15 cm) to 20 inches (50 cm). The foliage is attractive and dark green.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
72 Chapter 5
Dendrobium lawesii
Pronunciation: den-DROH-bee-um
Aka: Dendrobium warburgianum
Origin: Irian Jaya, Papua New Guinea
Description and qualities: The florescent bright flowers make this
orchid stand out in the windowsill or greenhouse.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Floral
Flower description: Red-orange, waxy, tubular flowers tipped in yellow.
Flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, lasting for a few months. Inflores-
cence is a leafless stem, with two to eight flowers. The species has many
color forms.
The Dendrobium Tribe 73
Dendrobium macrophyllum
Pronunciation: den-DROH-bee-um
Aka: Dendrobium veitchianum
Origin: Java to Philippines to Samoa
Description and qualities: The flowers have an out-of-this-world look
that always creates attention.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Sweet floral
Flower description: Variably colored flowers 2 inches (5 cm) across and
long-lasting. Inflorescence a spike 6–15 inches (15–40 cm) tall and bear-
ing up to 10 flowers.
Season of bloom: Spring to summer
Mature plant: Pseudobulbs up to 24 inches (60 cm) long. Leaves up to 12
inches (30 cm) long.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured, well-drained mix
Special cultural tip: Keep damp year-round.
Comment: First described in 1834 by French botanist Achille Richard.
The exotic coloration, lip markings, and fragrance make Dendrobium macrophyllum an
Old World orchid that most orchid growers would love to have in their collection.
The Dendrobium Tribe 75
Hybrids
Dendrobium Chrystaline
Pronunciation: den-DROH-bee-um
Origin: Dendrobium Kathryn Banks × Dendrobium Bicentennial Blush
Description and qualities: A hybrid with Dendrobium kingianum in its
background.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Hyacinth
Flower description: White flowers with purple markings in the lips.
Flowers 11⁄4 inches (3 cm) across. Inflorescence 10 inches (25 cm) tall,
bearing six to eight flowers.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: Compact growing.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Cool to intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured epiphytic mix
The cultivar name describes well the glistening flowers of Dendrobium Chrystaline.
76 Chapter 5
Flower description: White flowers with purple specks on lips and yellow
stripes down center of the lips. Flowers 2 inches (5 cm) across. Inflores-
cence 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) tall, bearing 8 to 10 flowers.
Season of bloom: Winter to spring
Mature plant: Reaches about 18 inches (45 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Cool to intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured bark mix
Special cultural tip: Cool off in the fall to 40 to 49ºF (4–9ºC) to set buds.
78 Chapter 5
Species
Brassia longissima
Pronunciation: BRASS-ee-ah
Aka: Brassia lawrenceana
Origin: Costa Rica, Panama, Peru
Description and qualities: The spider-like flower makes a dramatic
statement.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Light, sweet candy
Flower description: Large, spidery flowers open greenish and turn
orange over several days. Petals, sepals, and lip are spotted maroon.
Flowers 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) long. Inflorescence to 18 inches (45 cm)
tall, bearing six to eight flowers.
Season of bloom: Summer to fall
Mature plant: Reaches about 30 inches (75 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Warm
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured, well drained mix
79
80 Chapter 6
The spidery flowers of Brassia longissima ‘Pumpkin Patch’ line up to parade themselves.
Miltonia spectabilis
Pronunciation: mil-TONE-ee-ah
Aka: Macrochilus fryanus
Origin: Brazil
Description and qualities: This is the largest flowering species in this
genus.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Rose, spicy
Flower description: White flowers tinged pink with rose-pink lips and
purple columns. Flowers 4 inches (10 cm) wide. Inflorescence 8 inches
(20 cm) tall, bearing a single flower.
Season of bloom: Summer to fall
Mature plant: Reaches 10 inches (25 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse, lights
Light: Medium
The Oncidium Alliance 81
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium:
Fine-textured, well-drained mix
Special cultural tip: As is true for
other miltonias, keep the growing
medium damp.
Comment: The species was first
described in 1839 by John Lindley
from a specimen collected in
Brazil by Hugh Weddell.
Other fragrant miltonias: Milt.
regnellii—oranges, coriander;
Milt. schroederiana—spice floral,
carnation.
Special cultural tip: As is true for other miltonias, keep the growing
medium damp.
Comment: Miltonia spectabilis var. moreliana was first sent by M. Porte from
Brazil to G. M. Morel in Paris in 1846.
Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis
Pronunciation: mil-tone-ee-OP-sis
Aka: Odontoglossum roezlii, Miltonia roezlii
Origin: Colombia
Description and qualities: The striking markings on the flower lip sepa-
rate this species from the others in the genus.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Rose, lily-of-the-valley, cyclamen
Flower description: White pansy-shaped flowers with purple waterfall
pattern on the lip. Flowers 13⁄4 inches (4-cm) wide. Inflorescence 10
inches (25 cm) tall, bearing three to five flowers.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: Reaches 6–12 inches
(15–30 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium:
Fine-textured mix, or mounted on
tree fern, or in basket
Special cultural tip: Provide warm
winters and cold summers. Reduce
water during the winter.
Comment: Discovered in Colombia in
1850 by Louis Schlim, cousin to
Belgium plant explorer Jean Linden,
and sent to Messrs. Linden in
Brussels.
Miltoniopsis santanaei
Pronunciation: mil-tone-ee-OP-sis
Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis is responsible for the Aka: Miltonia roezlii var. alba
wonderful “waterfall” patterns in the lips of Origin: Venezuela, Colombia,
some of today’s hybrids. Ecuador
The Oncidium Alliance 83
Oncidium cheirophorum
Pronunciation: on-SID-ee-um
Origin: Colombia
Fragrant offspring: Oncidium Tsiku Marguerite (Onc. ornithorhynchum ×
Onc. Twinkle); Oncidium Twinkle (Onc. cheirophorum × Onc.
ornithorhynchum)
Description and qualities: Closely related to Oncidium ornithorhynchum
and frequently used as a parent to lend its fragrance and dwarf habit.
Intensity of fragrance: Very strong
When fragrant: Day
84 Chapter 6
Description of fragrance:
Citrus, lemon
Flower description: Bright yel-
low flowers on a branched
arching spray. Many flowers,
1
⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) wide. Inflo-
rescence to 12 inches (30 cm)
long.
Season of bloom: Winter to
spring
Mature plant: Reaches only 3
inches (7.5 cm) high.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Win-
dowsill, lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting
medium: Fine- to medium-
textured orchid mix
Comment: Very easy to grow and
bloom. Described by H. G.
Reichenbach in 1852 and dis-
covered by the famous
Oncidium cheirophorum is a bright and cheery Lithuanian plant collector,
dwarf, fragrant orchid. Józef Ritter von Rawicz
Warscewicz.
Oncidium maculatum
Pronunciation: on-SID-ee-um
Origin: Mexico
Description and qualities: An attractive and easy-to-grow species.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Honey
Flower description: Yellow flowers with mahogany spots. Flowers 3
inches (8 cm) wide. Inflorescence an arching spike 20 inches (50 cm)
long, with many flowers.
Season of bloom: Spring
Mature plant: Medium-large, dark green leaves.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
The Oncidium Alliance 85
Oncidium maculatum
has well-marked honey-
scented flowers.
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Very well drained potting material in a
pot or basket
Special cultural tip: Provide a dry resting period in winter.
Oncidium ornithorhynchum
Pronunciation: on-SID-ee-um
Origin: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica
Common name: Vanilla-scented dancing lady, lavender and old lace
Description and qualities: ‘Lilac Blossom’ is a select form highly recom-
mended to beginning growers because of its ease of culture, dependable
blooming, and sweet fragrance.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Vanilla, “like a fresh morning,” baby powder,
grape, spicy, cinnamon, cocoa, sweet candy
86 Chapter 6
Sigmatostalix radicans
Pronunciation: sig-mat-oh-STAY-licks
Origin: Brazil
Description and qualities: A delicate-looking but easy-to-grow, sweet-
scented miniature.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Honey
Flower description: Small white flowers with greenish sepals and petals,
a brown column, and white lip. Flowers 3⁄4 inch (1 cm) wide. Inflores-
cence 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) tall, bearing many flowers.
Season of bloom: Fall
Mature plant: Thin grassy foliage about 6 inches (15 cm) long.
Ease of culture: Easy
Sigmatostalix radicans ‘HMO’s Petite Prince’, a dainty, charming miniature with grass-
like foliage and a honey scent, comes from Ha’iku Maui Orchids in Hawaii. Photo by
Marc Herzog.
88 Chapter 6
Trichopilia suavis
Pronunciation: trik-oh-PILL-ee-ah
Aka: Trichopilia kienastiana
Origin: Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia
Description and qualities: The flowers are borne at the bottom of the
plant.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Floral; intoxicating
Flower description: Flowers usually white spotted with red. The lip is
tubular and has pink and orange spots. Flowers 4 inches (10 cm) wide.
Inflorescence pendant, 4 inches (10 cm) long, bearing two to five flowers.
Season of bloom: Spring
Mature plant: Oblong pseu-
dobulbs with leaves about
16 inches (40 cm) long.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area:
Windowsill, light, green-
house
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting
medium: Medium-textured,
well-drained mix
Special cultural tip: Fre-
quently grown in baskets.
Comment: Discovered by
Józef Ritter von Rawicz
Warscewicz in Costa Rica
in 1848.
Other fragrant
trichopilias: Trpla.
fragrans—narcissus
Trichopilia suavis is considered one of the most
attractive species in the genus.
The Oncidium Alliance 89
Hybrids
Beallara Marfitch ‘Howard’s Dream’
AM/AOS
Pronunciation: bee-al-ARE-ah
Origin: Miltassia Charles M. Fitch ×
Odontoglossum Fremar
Description and qualities: This
complex hybrid has parents from
four different genera—Brassia,
Cochlioda, Miltonia, and Odonto-
glossum.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Rose
Flower description: Star-shaped
flowers burgundy, magenta, and
white, 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) across,
and lasting a few months. Inflores- The color combination of Beallara Marfitch
cence 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) long, ‘Howard’s Dream’ AM/AOS sparkles.
bearing up to 20 or more flowers.
Can flower twice a year.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: Reaches 18–24 inches
(45–60 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium:
Medium-textured mix with coco
chunks
Trichocentrum Nathakhun
Pronunciation: trik-oh-CEN-trum
Origin: Trichocentrum lanceanum × Trichocentrum Maui Gold
Fragrant parents: Trichocentrum lanceanum
Description and qualities: Called a mule-eared orchid because of the
shape of its leaves.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Honey
Flower description: Flat, long-lasting flowers of contrasting brown and
yellow with yellow lip. Flowers 21⁄2 inches (6 cm) in diameter. Inflores-
cence bears 12 or more flowers.
Season of bloom: Spring to summer
Mature plant: Mule ear foliage about 12 inches (30 cm) or more.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate to warm
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured bark or coco chunk mix
Vandas are probably best known by orchid growers in the American South,
particularly, Florida, since the plants thrive in this bright, hot climate, while
phalaenopsis are undoubtedly the most widely grown orchid in the world.
Neither genera is known for fragrance, but individuals within each genus are
sweet scented. Other orchid species and hybrids of this large alliance also con-
tain a good number of fragrant members.
Species
Since all of the orchids in this alliance grow vertically, they can get very tall. So,
for these orchids, I have given their approximate spread and height of plants
after a few years of mature growth.
Aerangis citrata
Pronunciation: ay-er-RANG-giss
Aka: Angraecum citratum
Origin: Africa
Description and qualities: An easy, choice, and adaptable plant that
thrives in lower light conditions and is a very compact grower. It blooms
several times a year.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Evening
Description of fragrance: Lemon
Flower description: Small, white flowers with long spurs. Inflorescence a
spike 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) long, with up to 15 or more flowers.
Season of bloom: Spring
Mature plant: Dwarf
Ease of culture: Easy
97
98 Chapter 7
Aerides fieldingii
Pronunciation: ay-AIR-ee-deez
Aka: Aerides rosea, Aerides williamsii
Origin: India
Fragrant offspring: Aerides Dominyanum (Aer. affine × Aer. fieldingii);
Aerides Dottie’s Delight (Aer. crassifolia × Aer. fieldingii)
Description and qualities: A specimen plant of this species puts on quite
a show.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Lily-
of-the-valley, cyclamen
Flower description: Pink flow-
ers, sometimes spotted. Flowers
3
⁄4 inch (2 cm) wide. Inflores-
cence a long raceme, 12 inches
(60 cm), with up to 30 flowers.
Season of bloom: Summer
Mature plant: Leaves 8 inches (25
cm) long.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Window-
sill, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate to
warm
Recommended potting medium:
Medium-textured, very well
drained mix
Special cultural tip: Keep dry
during cooler winters.
Comment: First cultivated by
Thomas Lobb, plant collector The genus Aerides comprises many species
for the famous English orchid that are sweetly scented including this one,
firm, Veitch & Sons. Aerides fieldingii.
100 Chapter 7
Angraecum leonis
Pronunciation: an-GRYE-kum
Aka: Aeranthes leonis
Origin: Madagascar, Comoro Islands
Fragrant offspring: Angraecum Hillerman’s Last (Angcm. leonis × Angc.
superbum)
Description and qualities: The species has two different forms: the
Madagascan form is smaller vegetatively than the Comoro Island form.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Evening
Description of fragrance: Jasmine
Flower description: White flowers 11⁄2 inches (3 cm) wide. Inflorescence
a spike, 3–5 inches (7.5–13 cm), with three to five flowers.
Season of bloom: Winter to spring
Mature plant: Reaches 6–10 inches
(15–25 cm) tall. Handsome foliage.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate to warm
Recommended potting medium:
Mounted on a slab or potted in a
loose epiphytic mix
Comment: A popular species because
of its compact habit and relatively
large flower. Named by Veitch in
1894.
Angraecum sesquipedale
Pronunciation: an-GRYE-kum
Origin: Madagascar
Common name: Star of Bethlehem,
For those who adore the jasmine scent of most king of angraecums
angraecums but have limited space, the com- Fragrant offspring: Angraecum
pact Angraecum leonis is the answer. Appalachian Star (Angcm. sesqui-
The Vanda/Phalaenopsis Alliance 101
Neofinetia falcata
Pronunciation: nee-oh-fin-EE-tha
Aka: Angraecum falcatum
Origin: Japan
Common name: Fu-ran, Japanese wind orchid
Fragrant offspring: Ascofinetia Cherry Blossom (Neofinetia falcata × Asco-
centrum ampullaceum); Darwinara Charm (Neofinetia falcata × Vascostylis
Tham Yuen Hae)
Description and qualities: These small plants are easy to bloom in a
bright windowsill. Has produced many intergeneric vandaceous hybrids
noted for compact growth habit and fragrance.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Jasmine, vanilla
For all fragrant plant lovers, the diminutive Neofinetia falcata is a must.
The Vanda/Phalaenopsis Alliance 103
Phalaenopsis bellina
Pronunciation: fal-en-OP-sis
Aka: Phalaenopsis violacea ‘Borneo’, Pha-
laenopsis violacea var. bellina
Origin: Malaysia, East Malaysia
Description and qualities: A compact
sweetly scented phalaenopsis that has
both a beautiful flower and very attrac-
tive, glossy green foliage.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Freesia, lily
of the valley, rose, touch of velvet,
lemon
Flower description: Waxy, greenish
flowers with purple markings, 2
inches (5 cm) across, borne sequen-
tially. Inflorescence 4–6 inches (10–15
cm) tall, bearing three to four flowers.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: A compact grower with Phalaenopsis bellina is used extensively as a
glossy green leaves 8–10 inches (20– parent to impart its waxy substance, color, and
25 cm) long. fragrance to its progeny.
104 Chapter 7
Phalaenopsis schilleriana
Pronunciation: fal-en-OP-sis
Aka: Sometimes spelled Phalaenopsis schillerana
Origin: Philippines
Description and qualities: Along with handsome silver-marked foliage,
this species produces branching inflorescences of long-lasting pink
flowers.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Rose
Flower description: Bright pink flowers 3–31⁄2 inches (8–9 cm) wide.
Inflorescence up to 3 feet (91 cm) long, with many flowers. It is reported
that one plant had 733 blossoms! The flowers open at one time and there-
fore are not very long lasting.
Season of bloom: Winter to spring
Mature plant: Leaves are 6–18 inches (15–46 cm) long, mottled dark green
above, entirely purple below.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
greenhouse
Light: Low
Temperature: Warm
Recommended potting medium:
Medium-textured orchid mix,
mounted on a slab or tree fern, or in
a basket of sphagnum moss
Special cultural tip: Provide even
moisture. Do not allow to dry out.
Even when Phalaenopsis schilleriana is not in Comment: Named for the first grower
bloom, its magnificent foliage alone makes it of this species, Consul Schiller of
a stunner. Hamburg, Germany.
The Vanda/Phalaenopsis Alliance 105
Rhynchostylis gigantea
Pronunciation: rink-oh-STYE-liss
Origin: Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam
Common name: Foxtail orchid
Fragrant offspring: Rhynchostylis Winona Jordan (Phalaenopsis Doris ×
Rhy. gigantea); Vandachostylis Azure (Rhy. gigantea × Vanda coerulea)
When Rhynchostylis gigantea is in bloom, its heady citrus fragrance can fill
a house.
106 Chapter 7
Description and qualities: This species also produces solid red and pure
white forms.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Citrus
Flower description: Flowers white with purple speckles, about 1 inch (2.5
cm) across. Inflorescence 15 inches (37.5 cm) long, bearing a multitude
of flowers.
Season of bloom: Fall to winter
Mature plant: Slow growing, usually no taller than 12 inches (30 cm).
Leaves can grow more than 12 inches (30 cm) long.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse, lights
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate to warm
Recommended potting medium: Course-textured, well-drained mix
Special cultural tip: Resents frequent repotting. Often grown in slatted
baskets.
Comment: Discovered in the 1830s in Myanmar by Danish physician and
botanist Nathaniel Wallich.
Other fragrant rhynchostylis:
Rhy. coelestis—citrus; Rhy. illustre—
citrus; Rhy. retusa—citrus.
Sedirea japonica
Pronunciation: se-DEER-ee-ah
Origin: Japan, Korea
Common name: Yabukouji (Japanese)
Fragrant offspring: Rhynchodirea
Dragon Charmy (Sedirea japonica ×
Rhynchostylis gigantea); Vandirea
Newberry Jasmine (Sedirea japonica
× Vanda amesiana)
Description and qualities: A de-
lightful miniature from Asia that is
finally receiving the attention and
appreciation it deserves.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Sedirea japonica is a delightful plant long highly Description of fragrance: Fresh
admired by Asian orchid lovers for its delicate lemon
fragrance. Flower description: Cream to green
The Vanda/Phalaenopsis Alliance 107
flowers with purple bars and spots on the lips and sepals. Flowers 1 inch
(2.5 cm) across. Inflorescence 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) tall, with 3 to 12
flowers.
Season of bloom: Spring to summer
Mature plant: Miniature plant habit. Leaves about 6 inches (15 cm) long.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Warm
Recommended potting medium: Sphagnum moss or a fine-textured pha-
laenopsis mix
Special cultural tip: Grow much like a phalaenopsis with slightly more
light.
Comment: An orchid enjoyed and revered by the Japanese for hundreds of
years is now starting to become more available to Western countries.
Trichoglottis philippinensis
Pronunciation: trik-oh-GLOTT-iss
Aka: Stauropsis philippinensis
Origin: Philippines
Description and qualities: A strik-
ing plant with attractive, unique
flowers.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Ripe
apples
Flower description: Dark burgundy
flowers with a bright pink lip. Flow-
ers are 1–11⁄2 inches (2.5–4 cm)
wide, borne singly from the axils of
the leaves. The species produces
color forms ranging from brown to
dark burgundy.
Season of bloom: Spring to summer
Mature plant: A slow grower up to 48
inches (90 cm) high. Can be topped
to keep it short. Leaves tightly
arranged on the stem.
Ease of culture: Intermediate Trichoglottis philippinensis ‘Pololei’ is a curious
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, plant with the delicious scent of ripe fruit.
lights, greenhouse Photo by Marc Herzog.
108 Chapter 7
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured orchid mix
Comment: Described in 1845 by John Lindley.
Other fragrant trichoglottis: Trgl. wenzellii—sweet
Tuberolabium kotoense
Pronunciation: too-burr-oh-LAY-bee-um
Aka: Saccolabium quisumbingii
Origin: Southeast Asia including Taiwan and Philippines
Description and qualities: An easy-to-grow species commonly found on
Ficus trees in mountainous areas of Taiwan and the Philippines.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Floral
Flower description: Small, white, long-lasting, waxy flowers with purple-
tipped lips. Flowers 1⁄2 inch (1 cm) across. Inflorescence 2–3 inches
(5–7.5 cm) tall, with 50 or more flowers per spike as the plant matures.
Season of bloom: Fall to winter
Mature plant: Dwarf grower.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate to warm
Recommended potting medium: Mounted on a slab, in medium-textured
bark, or in coco chunks mix in a pot
Other fragrant tuberolabiums: Tblm. odoratissium—sweet
Vanda denisoniana
Pronunciation: VAN-da
Origin: Myanmar
Fragrant offspring: Aeridovanda Kinnaree (Vanda denisoniana × Aerides
lawrenceae)
Description and qualities: A compact grower with many color forms.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Evening
Description of fragrance: Sweet
Flower description: Flower 2 inches (5 cm) across. Yellow petals and
sepals with light spotting. Center of flower is white. Inflorescence 6
inches (15 cm) tall, bearing four to six flowers.
Season of bloom: Spring
Mature plant: Spreads about 12 inches (30 cm) but takes several years to
reach 12 inches (30 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Warm
Recommended potting medium: Coarse-textured mix
Special cultural tip: Fre-
quently grown in wooden
baskets with or without
media.
Comment: Often used in breed-
ing vandas for its yellow color
and erect flower spike.
Other fragrant vandas:
V. coerulescens—grape bubble-
gum, concord grapes; V.
cristata—floral; V. dearei—
vanilla, cinnamon; V. roeblin-
giana—sweet; V. tesselata—
grapes, lilac; V. tricolor var.
suavis—vanilla; V. tricolor— Several species of vandas, including Vanda
vanilla. denisoniana, are pleasantly fragrant.
110 Chapter 7
Hybrids
Angranthes Grandalena
Pronunciation: an-GRAN-theez
Origin: Angraecum magdalenae × Aeranthes grandiflora
Fragrant parents: Both parents
Description and qualities: As this plant matures, it produces multiple
growths with recurring, almost constant, blooming.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Evening
Description of fragrance: Jasmine
Flower description: Greenish white spurred flowers 3 inches (7.5 cm)
across. Inflorescence 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) tall, with one flower.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: A compact plant, 8–10 inches (20–24 cm) tall. Forms addi-
tional plants at base. Foliage dark green and glossy.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium:
Medium-textured orchid bark or
coco chunk mix
Special cultural tip: Like most
angraecoids, this plant resents
repotting.
Comment: Hybridized by orchid
grower and author Fred Hillerman
in 1979.
Mature plant: Average phalaenopsis size, that is, with a leaf spread of 12
inches (30 cm).
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse, lights
Light: Low to medium
Temperature: Warm
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured bark or coco chunk
mix in northern climates. High quality sphagnum moss in warmer, drier
growing areas.
Other fragrant phalaenopsis:
Phal. Orchid World ‘Bonnie
Vasquez’ AM/AOS—spicy
Phalaenopsis Sweet Memory ‘Amy Dawn’ AM/AOS, like all members of its grex, has
delightful fragrance. Photo by Eric Goo from Bud Terrell’s collection.
The Vanda/Phalaenopsis Alliance 117
Phalaenopsis Valentinii
Pronunciation: fal-en-OP-sis
Origin: Phalaenopsis violacea × Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi
Fragrant parents: Phalaenopsis violacea
Description and qualities: Another
phalaenopsis noted for its fine foli-
age and fragrant, colorful flowers.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Freesia
Flower description: Glossy, waxy,
violet over brown flowers with pur-
ple lips and yellow in the throats.
Flowers 21⁄2 inches (6 cm) wide.
Inflorescence 6 inches (15 cm) tall,
bearing three to four flowers.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: A compact grower.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
lights, greenhouse
Light: Low
Temperature: Warm
Recommended potting medium:
Medium-textured orchid mix or The primary hybrid Phalaenopsis Valentinii has
sphagnum moss varnished flat flowers with the freesia scent
from its Phalaenopsis violacea parent.
118 Chapter 7
Other Orchids
120
Other Orchids 121
Temperature: Warm
Recommended potting medium: Terrestrial mix in a large pot or directly
in ground
Special cultural tip: Grow in beds or large pots.
Comment: Originally described in 1825 by David Don as Bletia graminifolia.
Coelogyne lawrenceana
Pronunciation: see-LOJ-in-ee
Origin: Vietnam
Description and qualities: A very vigorous-growing species.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Sweet floral
Flower description: Waxy, tan flowers with white lips. Flowers 31⁄2 inches
(9 cm) across. Inflorescence 10 inches (25 cm), bearing one to three
flowers.
Season of bloom: Spring to summer
Mature plant: Soft, pleated foliage about 12 inches (30 cm) high.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Greenhouse, windowsill, lights
Light: Medium
Temperature: Warm
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured mix
Special cultural tip: Repot before new growth begins.
Coelogyne ochracea
Pronunciation: see-LOJ-in-ee
Origin: India
Description and qualities: The most popular species in this genus
because it is easy to grow, very fragrant, and compact in habit.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Musk
Flower description: Pure white flowers with striking yellow and orange
markings on the lip. Flowers 11⁄4 inches (4 cm) wide. Inflorescence 8
inches (20 cm) tall, bearing 6 to 10 flowers.
Season of bloom: Spring
Mature plant: Reaches 8 inches (20 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Cool
Recommended potting medium: Medium-textured mix
Comment: This species does not lose its leaves during the winter.
Other fragrant coelogynes: Coel. cristata—banana, candy sweet; Coel.
fimbriata—yeasty; Coel. Intermedia—sweet, fruity; Coel. pandurata—cin-
namon; Coel. zurowetzii—spicy floral.
Coelogyne ochracea sports crisp white flowers with bright yellow and orange
markings on the lip and in the throat.
124 Chapter 8
Hybrids
Catasetum Orchidglade ‘Davie Ranches’ AM/AOS
Pronunciation: kat-a-SEE-tum
Origin: Catasetum pileatum × Catasetum expansum
Description and qualities: As is the case with most catasetums, the male
flowers have a stronger scent than the female flowers. The fragrance of
the blossoms remains, to some degree, even after the flowers dry, making
them useful for potpourri. Flowers are most fragrant in warm sunlight.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Spicy, medicinal
Flower description: Creamy, thick, waxy flowers covered with red freck-
les. Flowers 2 inches (5 cm) across. Inflorescence 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
tall, with up to 15 flowers.
Season of bloom: Summer to fall
Mature plant: Leaves deciduous, 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) long.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: In
a basket so plants will have rapid
drainage.
Special cultural tip: Water and fertil-
ize heavily during the growing sea-
son. Stop water for four to six weeks
during the winter.
Comment: The first commercial Cata-
setum hybrid. Created by Jones and
Scully, commercial orchid growers
in Miami.
Other fragrant catasetums: Ctsm.
candida—wintergreen; Ctsm. col-
lare—wintergreen; Ctsm. discolor—
rye bread; Ctsm. expansum—turpen-
tine in morning; rye bread in after-
noon; Ctsm. fimbriatum—spice;
Ctsm. gnomus—wintergreen; Ctsm.
Catasetum Orchidglade ‘Davie Ranches’ integerrimum—spice; Ctsm. macula-
AM/AOS has rich color and fragrance. tum—rye bread; Ctsm. roseum—
Other Orchids 125
Cochleanthes amazonica
Pronunciation: kok-lee-AN-theez
Origin: Costa Rica, Panama
Fragrant offspring: Cochleanthes
Moliere (Cnths. discolor × Cnths.
The exotic flower of Cochleanthes amazonica is amazonica); Cochleanthes Amazing
made more exciting with dark purple veins on (Cnths. flabelliformis × Cnths.
the impressive lip and in the throat. amazonica)
Other Orchids 127
Description and qualities: The large dramatically marked lip makes this
orchid stand out.
Intensity of fragrance: Very strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Candy, rose, narcissus, verbena
Flower description: White flowers with contrasting dark purple veins on
very prominent lips and in the throats. Flowers 2 inches (5 cm) across.
Inflorescence 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall, bearing one flower.
Season of bloom: Winter to spring
Mature plant: Reaches 8 inches (20 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, lights, greenhouse
Light: Low to medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Fine-textured, well-drained mix
Special cultural tip: Keep the growing medium damp to avoid pleating of
the foliage. Make sure potting mix is fresh and not broken down as this
plant does not tolerate a soggy medium.
Other fragrant cochleanthes: Cnths. discolor—candy, cedar, pepper,
camphoraceous
Lycaste aromatica
Pronunciation: lye-KASS-tee
Aka: Colax aromaticus, Lycaste suaveolens
Origin: Mexico
Description and qualities: This is a deciduous orchid that drops its
leaves in the winter. It blooms before
the plant grows new foliage in the
early spring.
Intensity of fragrance: Very strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Cinna-
mon, spicy, like Big Red chewing gum
Flower description: Bright yellow-
orange flowers 21⁄2 inches (6 cm)
wide. Inflorescence 6 inches (15 cm)
tall, bearing flowers in groups of 30 to
40 from previous year’s growth or on
new growth.
Season of bloom: Spring Lycaste aromatica has a compact plant habit
Mature plant: Leaves 12–16 inches with cheery, bright cinnamon-scented yellow-
(30-40 cm) long, soft and pleated. orange flowers. Photo by Allen Black.
128 Chapter 8
Maxillaria tenuifolia
Pronunciation: mak-si-LAIR-ee-a
Aka: Maxillaria gracilifolia
Origin: Mexico to Costa Rica
Common name: Coconut orchid
Description and qualities: Found in semi-deciduous forests at low eleva-
tions. One of the most popular of the 200 or so Maxillaria species.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Coconut; box of crayons
Flower description: Brick red flowers 11⁄2–2 inches (4–5 cm) across.
Inflorescence 4–5 inches (10–12.5 cm) tall, with one flower.
Season of bloom: Summer
Mature plant: Reaches 10 inches (25 cm) high.
Ease of culture: Easy
Suitable growing area: Windowsill, lights, greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium: Mounted on a raft or slab. Can be grown
in pots with a mixture of well-draining media like shredded tree fern.
Special cultural tip: Keep moist.
Other Orchids 129
Special cultural tip: If possible, grow the plant in the cooler area of your
growing area. Greatly reduce water from late fall to early winter until
buds appear.
Lycaste Lucianii
Pronunciation: lye-KASS-tee
Origin: Lycaste skinneri × Lycaste lasioglossa
Description and qualities: A very handsome, hardy, easy-to-grow lycaste.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Sweet and spicy
Flower description: Rose-pink sepals contrast with much smaller white
petals, and a fuzzy red lip with yellow
in the throat. Flowers 6 inches (15
cm) across. Inflorescence 6–8 inches
(15–20 cm) tall, with a single flower.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: Reaches 12–16 inches
(30–45 cm) high.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
greenhouse
Light: Medium
Temperature: Intermediate
Recommended potting medium:
Rosy pink Lycaste Lucianii adds a touch of ele- Medium-textured epiphytic mix
gance and fragrance to any orchid collection.
Zygopetalum Artur Elle ‘Tanzanite’
AM/AOS
Pronunciation: zeye-go-PET-a-lum
Origin: Zygopetalum Blackii ×
Zygopetalum BG White
Description and qualities: A tall,
dark, and handsome zygopetalum.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance:
Hyacinth, violets, sweet perfume
Flower description: Green flowers
overlaid with maroon. Wide white
Zygopetalum Artur Elle ‘Tanzanite’ AM/AOS lip covered with purple. Flowers 23⁄4
fills the room with its hyacinth fragrance. inches (7 cm) across.
Other Orchids 133
Paphiopedilum malipoense
Pronunciation: paff-ee-oh-PED-i-lum
Origin: Southern China, Vietnam
Description and qualities: A species with various flower forms.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Raspberry, apple
Flower description: Distinctive flower with green petals and sepals. Flow-
ers 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) across. Inflorescence tall, at least 12 inches (30
cm), usually bearing one flower.
“Stinkers”
Bulbophyllum echinolabium
Pronunciation: bulb-oh-FILL-um
Origin: Borneo, Sulawesi
Description and qualities: A star among the bulbophyllums because of
its large striking flower.
Intensity of fragrance: Strong
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Carrion
Flower description: Dark cream-
colored flowers with mahogany
stripes. Dramatic for their size, 12
inches (30 cm) long or longer, which
makes them among the largest flow-
ers in the genus. Inflorescence 12
inches (30 cm) tall, bearing one flower.
Season of bloom: Variable
Mature plant: Compact plant, 6–8
inches (10–15 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
lights, greenhouse
Light: Low to medium
Temperature: Intermediate to warm
Recommended potting medium:
Medium-textured, well-drained mix,
tree fern, or bark
Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis
Pronunciation: bulb-oh-FILL-um
Aka: Bulbophyllum giganteum
Origin: New Guinea
Description and qualities: Bulbophyl-
Stinker Bulbophyllum echinolabium puts on lum species with dark flower colors
quite a show, which makes it a conversation are frequently “stinkers.”
piece when it blooms. Intensity of fragrance: Strong
Other Orchids 139
Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis can empty a whole room of people with its foul odor when it
is in full bloom.
140 Chapter 8
Oncidium crispum
Pronunciation: on-SID-ee-um
Origin: Brazil
Description and qualities: The brown flowers with yellow markings
make this orchid a favorite with floral artists.
Intensity of fragrance: Light
When fragrant: Day
Description of fragrance: Musty,
like cockroaches
Flower description: Rust-red flowers
and lip, with yellow and orange
markings on the lip. Flowers 3
inches (8 cm) across. Inflorescence
long up to 3 feet (90 cm) long, bear-
ing up to 40 to 80 flowers.
Season of bloom: Spring to summer
Mature plant: Leaves 6–8 inches
(15–20 cm) tall.
Ease of culture: Intermediate
Suitable growing area: Windowsill,
greenhouse
Light: Medium to high
Temperature: Intermediate to warm
Recommended potting medium:
Medium-textured epiphytic mix
The flower of Oncidium crispum is quite attrac- Comment: Introduced and described
tive, but its musty scent is not one of its assets. by Messrs. Loddiges in 1832.
Appendix A
Easy Culture
Aerangis biloba Brassidium Dragon Flight ‘Fluff’
Aerangis citrata Brassocattleya Binosa ‘Kirk’
Aerangis fastuosa AM/AOS
Aeranthes Grandiose Brassocattleya Mt. Hood
Aerides odorata Brassolaelia Memoria Bernice
Angraecum compactum Foster
Angraecum distichum Brassolaelia Yellow Bird
Angraecum germinyanum Brassolaeliocattleya Momilani
Angraecum leonis Rainbow
Angraecum White Emblem Bulbophyllum beccarii
Angranthes Grandalena Bulbophyllum hamatipes
Arundina graminifolia Bulbophyllum laxiflorum
Ascofinetia Cherry Blossom Bulbophyllum lobbii
‘Delicado’ Bulbophyllum rothschildianum
Beallara Marfitch ‘Howard’s Dream’ Cattleya Chocolate Drop ‘Kodama’
AM/AOS AM/AOS
Bothriochilus bellus Cattleya luteola
Brassavola Little Stars Cochleanthes Moliere
Brassavola Yaki ‘Black’s Best’ Cochleanthes discolor
Brassavola cordata Coelogyne Intermedia
Brassavola nodosa Coelogyne ochracea
Brassavola tuberculata Darwinara Charm ‘Blue Star’
Brassia gireoudiana Dendrobium Chrystaline
Brassia longissima ‘Pumpkin Patch’ Dendrobium Comet King ‘Akatsuki’
Brassia verrucosa Dendrobium Sea Mary ‘Snow King’
141
142 Appendix A
Intermediate Culture
Acampe papillosa Brassolaelia Sarah Black
Acineta superba Brassolaeliocattleya Arthur Bossin
Aerangis appendiculata ‘Rapture’
Aerangis articulata Brassolaeliocattleya Formosan Gold
Aerangis brachycarpa Brassolaeliocattleya George King
Aerangis confusa ‘Serendipity’ AM/AOS
Aerangis kirkii Brassolaeliocattleya Goldenzelle
Aerangis kotschyana ‘Lemon Chiffon’ AM/AOS
Aerangis modesta Brassolaeliocattleya Haw Yuan
Aerangis mooreana Beauty ‘Orchis’
Aerangis mystacidii Brassolaeliocattleya Hawaiian
Aerangis somalensis Avalanche
Aerides crassifolia Brassolaeliocattleya Pamela Hether-
Aerides falcata ington ‘Coronation’ FCC/AOS
Aerides falcata var. houlletiana Brassolaeliocattleya Ports of Paradise
Aerides fieldingii ‘Emerald Isle’ HCC/AOS
Aerides quinquevulnera Brassolaeliocattleya Rio’s Green
Amesiella philippinense Magic
Angraecum Lemforde White Beauty Bulbophyllum ambrosia
Angraecum Veitchii Bulbophyllum cocoinum
Angraecum aporoides Bulbophyllum comosum
Angraecum birrinense Bulbophyllum echinolabium
Angraecum boisserianum Bulbophyllum maximum
Angraecum bosseri Bulbophyllum odoratissimum
Angraecum didieri Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis
Angraecum eburneum Bulbophyllum suavissimum
Angraecum eichlerianum Cadetia chionantha
Angraecum magdalenae Cadetia taylori
Angraecum sesquipedale Catasetum Orchidglade ‘Davie
Anguloa clowesii Ranches’ AM/AOS
Ansellia africana Catasetum candida
Bifrenaria harrisoniae Catasetum collare
Brassavola cucullata Catasetum discolor
Brassavola flagellaris Catasetum expansum
Brassavola martiana Catasetum fimbriatum
Brassia ochroleuca Catasetum gnomus
144 Appendix A
Challenging Culture
Aerides lawrenceae Encyclia citrina
Aerides lawrenceae var. sanderiana Laelia tenebrosa
Angraecum Longiscott ‘Lea’ Rhyncholaelia digbyana
Cattleya aclandiae Zygocolax
Appendix B
148
Orchids by Light Requirements 149
Orchids by Nighttime
Temperature Preferences
155
156 Appendix C
Although many orchids mentioned in this book have very strong, noticeable
scents, some of them have light scents, which some growers may not be able
to detect.
Light Fragrance
Acineta superba—light vanilla Bulbophyllum comosum—hay scented
Amesiella philippinense—minty Bulbophyllum hamatipes—musky
Angraecum distichum—jasmine Bulbophyllum laxiflorum—musky
Ansellia africana—light floral Bulbophyllum rothschildianum—
Arundina graminifolia—floral peach, fruity
Ascofinetia Cherry Blossom ‘Deli- Cadetia chionantha—sweet floral
cado’—sweet floral Cadetia taylori—vanilla
Beallara Marfitch ‘Howard’s Dream’ Catasetum roseum—Vicks VapoRub
AM/AOS—rose in the morning, cinnamon at
Brassavola Yaki ‘Black’s Best’— night
musty-soapy; similar to the B. Cattleya Brabantiae—spicy
cucullata parent Cattleya Fascelis—spicy
Brassia gireoudiana—musky Cattleya bicolor var. grossii—spicy,
Brassia longissima ‘Pumpkin aromatic-floral, rose
Patch’—light, sweet candy Cattleya forbesii—fragrance of bubble
Brassia verrucosa—musky gum
Brassidium Dragon Flight ‘Fluff’— Cattleya granulosa—rosy-flora
heliotrope Cattleya guttata—sweet floral
Brassocattleya Binosa ‘Kirk’ AM/ Cattleya harrisoniana—floral
AOS—spicy Cattleya intermedia ‘Carlos’—floral
Bulbophyllum ambrosia—honey, Cattleya luteola—fresh floral
bitter almonds Cattleya mossiae—garlic
162
Orchids by Intensity of Fragrance 163
Strong Fragrance
Acampe papillosa—hyacinths Aerides lawrenceae var. sanderiana—
Aerangis appendiculata—gardenia lemon-spice
Aerangis articulata—jasmine Aerides odorata—spicy; ribbon
Aerangis biloba—gardenia, lily candy, cloves, lilac
Aerangis brachycarpa—vanilla, Aerides quinquevulnera—cinnamon
jasmine Angraecum aporoides—gardenia
Aerangis citrata—lemon Angraecum birrinense—orange blos-
Aerangis confusa—tuberose, gardenia som
Aerangis fastuosa—tuberose, lily Angraecum bosseri—spicy floral
Aerangis kirkii—tuberose, gardenia Angraecum compactum—spicy, cit-
Aerangis kotschyana—gardenia rusy
Aerangis modesta—minty spice Angraecum didieri—sweet, spicy
Aerangis mooreana—jasmine Angraecum germinyanum—jasmine
Aerangis mystacidii—lily of the valley Angraecum leonis—jasmine
Aerangis somalensis—gardenia Angraecum magdalenae—jasmine
Aeranthes Grandiose—jasmine Angraecum sesquipedale—jasmine
Aerides crassifolia—aromatic floral Angraecum Veitchii—jasmine
Aerides falcata—citrus, fruity Angraecum White Emblem—
Aerides falcata var. houlletiana— jasmine
citrus, fruity Angranthes Grandalena—jasmine
Aerides fieldingii—lily-of-the-valley, Anguloa clowesii—chocolate and
cyclamen mint, paste, coconut, citrus
Aerides lawrenceae—lemon-spice, Bifrenaria harrisoniae—fruity
honey, anise
166 Appendix D
Day
Acampe papillosa Brassolaeliocattleya Formosan
Acineta superba Gold
Aerangis fastuosa Brassolaeliocattleya George King
Aerides crassifolia ‘Serendipity’ AM/AOS
Aerides falcata Brassolaeliocattleya Goldenzelle
Aerides falcata var. houlletiana ‘Lemon Chiffon’ AM/AOS
Aerides fieldingii Brassolaeliocattleya Haw Yuan
Aerides lawrenceae Beauty ‘Orchis’
Aerides lawrenceae var. sanderiana Brassolaeliocattleya Hawaiian
Aerides odorata Avalanche
Aerides quinquevulnera Brassolaeliocattleya Momilani
Anguloa clowesii Rainbow
Ansellia africana Brassolaeliocattleya Pamela Hether-
Arundina graminifolia ington ‘Coronation’ FCC/AOS
Ascofinetia Cherry Blossom ‘Delicado’ Brassolaeliocattleya Ports of Paradise
Beallara Marfitch ‘Howard’s Dream’ ‘Emerald Isle’ HCC/AOS
AM/AOS Bulbophyllum ambrosia
Bifrenaria harrisoniae Bulbophyllum beccarii
Bothriochilus bellus Bulbophyllum cocoinum
Brassia gireoudiana Bulbophyllum comosum
Brassia longissima ‘Pumpkin Patch’ Bulbophyllum echinolabium
Brassia ochroleuca Bulbophyllum hamatipes
Brassia verrucosa Bulbophyllum laxiflorum
Brassidium Dragon Flight ‘Fluff’ Bulbophyllum lobbii
Brassocattleya Mt. Hood Bulbophyllum maximum
Brassolaeliocattleya Arthur Bossin Bulbophyllum odoratissimum
‘Rapture’ Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis
171
172 Appendix E
Evening
Aerangis appendiculata Angraecum distichum
Aerangis articulata Angraecum eburneum
Aerangis biloba Angraecum eichlerianum
Aerangis brachycarpa Angraecum germinyanum
Aerangis citrata Angraecum Lemforde White Beauty
Aerangis confusa Angraecum leonis
Aerangis kirkii Angraecum Longiscott ‘Lea’
Aerangis kotschyana Angraecum magdalenae
Aerangis modesta Angraecum sesquipedale
Aerangis mooreana Angraecum Veitchii
Aerangis mystacidii Angraecum White Emblem
Aerangis somalensis Angranthes Grandalena
Aeranthes Grandiose Brassavola Little Stars
Amesiella philippinense Brassavola Yaki ‘Black’s Best’
Angraecum aporoides Brassavola cordata
Angraecum birrinense Brassavola cucullata
Angraecum bosseri Brassavola flagellaris
Angraecum boisserianum Brassavola martiana
Angraecum compactum Brassavola nodosa
Angraecum didieri Brassavola tuberculata
Orchids by Time of Fragrance 177
Spring Blooming
Aerangis citrata Dendrobium hainanense
Aerangis fastuosa Dendrobium kingianum
Aerangis modesta Dendrobium loddigesii
Angraecum germinyanum Dendrobium moniliforme
Angraecum White Emblem Dendrobium monophyllum
Arundina graminifolia Dendrobium musciferum
Bifrenaria harrisoniae Dendrobium rhodopterygium var.
Brassia gireoudiana semialba
Brassia ochroleuca Dendrobium virgineum
Bulbophyllum maximum Dendrochilum glumaceum
Catasetum tenebrosum Dracula chestertonii
Cattleya Pradit Spot ‘Black Prince’ Epicattleya Dora Tinschert ‘Spring-
Cattleya bicolor var. grossii dale’ HCC/AOS
Cattleya loddigesii Epidendrum phoeniceum
Cattleya lueddemanniana ‘Waterfield’ Gongora horichiana
Cattleya luteola Iwanagaara Appleblossom ‘Fantastic’
Cattleya schroederae Laelia lundii
Caularthron bicornutum Lycaste aromatica
Coelogyne ochracea Lycaste bradeorum
Cymbidium goeringii Lycaste brevispatha
Cymbidium suave Lycaste ciliata
Cymbidium virescens Lycaste cochleata
Dendrobium cariniferum Lycaste cruenta
Dendrobium densiflorum Lycaste lanipes
Dendrobium fimbriatum var. oculatum Lycaste locusta
Dendrobium griffithianum Masdevallia Confetti
178
Orchids by Season of Bloom 179
Summer Blooming
Aerangis mystacidii Maxillaria rufescens
Aerides crassifolia Maxillaria sanderiana
Aerides falcata Maxillaria tenuifolia
Aerides fieldingii Oncidium cucullatum
Angraecum eichlerianum Peristeria elata
Bothriochilus bellus Phalaenopsis Dotty Woodson
Brassolaeliocattleya Arthur Bossin ‘Claudette’ HCC/AOS
‘Rapture’ Schoenorchis gemmata
Bulbophyllum comosum Sobennikoffia humbertiana
Bulbophyllum suavissimum Stanhopea candida
Catasetum candida Stanhopea cirrhata
Catasetum collare Stanhopea costaricensis
Catasetum expansum Stanhopea ecornuta
Catasetum roseum Stanhopea grandiflora
Cattleya labiata Stanhopea jenischiana
Cattleya warscewiczii Stanhopea oculata
Cymbidium cyperifolium Stanhopea pulla
Dendrobium antennatum Stanhopea reichenbachiana
Dendrobium bellatulum Stanhopea saccata
Doritaenopsis Garnet Elf ‘Mary’ Stanhopea tigrina
Epidendrum parkinsonianum Stanhopea tricornis
Jumellea densifoliata Stanhopea wardii
Masdevallia triangularis Trichoglottis wenzellii
Orchids by Season of Bloom 181
Fall Blooming
Aerangis articulata Dendrochilum magnum
Angraecum Lemforde White Beauty Gongora quinquenervis
Angraecum Longiscott ‘Lea’ Laelia anceps
Brassavola flagellaris Laelia perrinii
Catasetum maculatum Laelia rubescens
Cattleya Chocolate Drop ‘Kodama’ Oncidium longipes
AM/AOS Sigmatostalix radicans ‘HMO’s Petite
Cymbidium sinensis Prince’
Cymbidium tracyanum Vanda roeblingiana
Dendrobium wardianum Zygopetalum intermedium
Dendrochilum cobbianum
Winter Blooming
Acampe papillosa Bulbophyllum ambrosia
Acineta superba Bulbophyllum cocoinum
Amesiella philippinense Cattleya quadicolor
Angraecum Veitchii Cymbidium mastersii
Angraecum aporoides Dendrobium Gai Quest
Angraecum bosseri Dendrobium Jesmond Fancy
Angraecum sesquipedale Dendrobium Light River
Brassavola Little Stars Dendrobium Sea Mary ‘Snow King’
Brassolaeliocattleya Formosan Gold Dendrobium delicatum ‘Brechts’
Brassolaeliocattleya Goldenzelle Dendrobium heterocarpum
‘Lemon Chiffon’ AM/AOS Dendrobium speciosum
Brassolaeliocattleya Haw Yuan Dendrobium unicum
Beauty ‘Orchis’ Diaphananthe pellucida
Brassolaeliocattleya Hawaiian Jumellea sagittata
Avalanche Laeliocattleya Angel Love
Brassolaeliocattleya Pamela Hether- Lycaste Imschootiana
ington ‘Coronation’ FCC/AOS Lycaste Walnut Valley ‘Black’s
Brassolaeliocattleya Ports of Paradise Glow’
‘Emerald Isle’ HCC/AOS Trichopilia fragrans
Variable Blooming
These orchids can flower different times of the year and sometimes bloom
multiple times in one year.
Most orchid sellers have at least some fragrant offerings, but some suppliers
consciously breed for fragrance or search out crosses that have fragrance
potential. These are the sources in the following list. Some of them offer mail
order while others also sell at their greenhouse. The list is by no means com-
plete, but will get you started. You can also check out the Web. The American
Orchid Society (AOS) has an excellent Web site that lets you search for suppli-
ers by geographic location. The society publishes Orchids, a magazine with
additional sources. In fact, joining AOS, is highly recommended for the many
resources it provides.
The Web addresses have not been given in this list, since they are subject
to frequent change and can be found easily with any search engine.
185
186 Appendix G
axil the angle between the upper side of a leaf and the stem from which it
grows
column the central part of the orchid flower that contains both the male
(stamen) and female (pistil) parts
cultivar a cultivated variety
deciduous dropping the leaves; not evergreen
dormant a state of inactive growth
epiphyte, epiphytic a plant that grows on another and gets its nutrients
from air and moisture
grex a group of hybrid plants with the same parents
hybrid a cross between two plants, generally of two different species or
genera
intergeneric involving two or more genera
keiki a plantlet. The Hawaiian word for baby.
lip the lowermost petal of an orchid flower, usually different from the other
two petals in shape, color, and size
inflorescence the arrangement of flowers on an axis
mericlone a plant derived from tissue culture that is genetically identical to
its parents
meristem undifferentiated tissue that can develop into specialized tissues
or new organs
monopodial a type of growth habit in which the plant continues to grow
vertically from its tip. Examples: phalaenopsis, vandas
pendulous hanging downward
proboscis a long, hollow tube attached to the head of an animal and used
for taking in food and drink
pseudobulb the thickened (bulb-like) stem of many orchid plants
189
190 Glossary
raceme an unbranded flower stem in which the flowers are borne on short
stalks and usually open from the bottom of the stem to the top
rhizome a root-bearing stem found on sympodial orchids
sepal one of three outermost parts of an orchid flower
sheath a modified leaf that encloses developing flower bulbs
spike an unbranched flower stem with many stalkless flowers
spur a tubular or sac-like extension of an orchid flower, generally containing
nectar
subterete somewhat cylindrical
sympodial a type of growth habit in which a new shoot arises from the
rhizome of the previous growth. Examples: cattleyas, oncidiums
terete cylindrical
terminal at the end of a stem
terrestrial a plant that grows in or on the ground
throat the opening in the lip of an orchid flower
umbel a flat-topped flower stem in which all the flower stalks originate
from the same point on the stem
vandaceous having a growth habit like that of the genus Vanda in which the
leaves grow in two rows
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Plant Name Index
Boldface numbers indicate photo pages. For more listings of fragrant orchid
species and hybrids, see appendices A through G.
195
196 Plant Name Index