Orchids of the Americas

Most of the orchids you see in the different chain stores are orchids native to South East Asia. Often they are either a Phaleanopsis or a Dendrobium and blooms can be long lasting. However North, Central, South America and the Caribbean offer various types that can be very colorful, have fragrance, large to very tiny blooms and of unusually shaped. When we talk about orchids more often we are referring to Epiphytes ( air plants ) that grow on the limbs of trees and not in soil. There are however numerous types that are terrestrial ( grow in the ground ) found throughout North America as far as the Arctic circle. From natural species to the multitude of hybrids there is always something you haven't seen before. In discussing the orchids that are native to the Americas I mostly will refer to their Genus and Species. You may familiarize yourself further by viewing the section below called 'The Orchid Family'. Some of the more well known orchids that are native plants you may recognize by the genus name and less likely by the species name. This is how others would know the "type" of orchid you were looking for or inquiring about and then if there was a particular kind you would be also saying the species or hybrid name.

'ORCHIDS NATIVE TO THE AMERICAS'

Cattleya is perhaps the best known and is most often seen as a single large flower given as a prom corsage. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, some have a fragrance and while the flower of this orchid can easily be recognized, identification of orchids takes into consideration the plant so you are able to recognize it when not in bloom. The Cattleya in the photo above is a (BLC) Hybrid which is a common cross used in many Hybrid Cattleya. You will find this marked at the beginning the identification found on plant tags in orchids for sale. BLC refers to Brassavola, Laelia, Cattleya like this BLC Chunyea (of Amber and Magenta colors pictured above) and many other Cattleya that I grow and sell which you can find at www.MadHappenings.com in Florida. Identified by the thicken stems called pseudo-bulbs which have a singular long with usually broad leaf growing from the top. The pseudo-bulbs are connected in a line one after another with the last to produce the next season's bloom usually three to four flowers that emerge from base of the leaf in a connected short stem.

Brassavola do well in low light and low humidity and can be lithophytes or epiphytes they have a stem-like pseudo-bulb with a single leaf . Growing about ten inches high producing white or greenish white blooms which can last from 5 to 30 days. The flowers are star-shaped and measure one to five inches in width.

Encyclia ( to encircle ) referring to the manner in which the lateral side lobes encircle the lip column. While being a much smaller flower than the Cattleya bloom in clusters with stems of many varieties having a great multitude of blooms. Besides that they grow in colonies so a larger colony will have many blooming plants. Not only are many Encylia fragrant but they have smells from light to strong, from flowery to chocolate. Some are pale greens, tans and white while others deep plum and maroon lipped. Encyclia are frond growing from South and Central America, to the Caribbean and into Florida. They are identified by onion like looking pseudo-bulbs that grow in colonies or clusters. In Florida Encyclia Tampensi can be seen growing on Red Cypress to Live Oak trees that are along a river, creek or marsh area as they love the moist humid conditions. While tropical they can handle short periods of cold even a few hours of freezing temperatures as they can be found north into the central part of the state near Tampa bay area.

Epidendrum grow throughout the Americas with over 2,000 species of both epiphytic and terrestrial plants. They are also widely varied in flower size and appearance, generally in racemose inflorescence and fringed lips, often erect reed like stems though some having pseudo bulbs or thickened stems.

The Oncidium prefers bright light and leaves should be bright green. Depending on species reddish green leaves could indicate too much light; dark green indicate not enough. Oncidiums should become moderately dry between waterings and re-pot at least every two years. Popular for ease of growing and long lasting sprays, great color combinations and fragrance. They can be grown in the home with good light or in a sheltered area, like most orchids most plants bloom once a year. Oncidiums are often crossed with Odontoglossum and related orchids. This hybridizing offers an amazing variety of looks.

Brassia orchids are native to tropical Central and South America. The spider-like look of this orchid gives this plant gives in a very interesting shape, add to this striking markings and you have one very noticeably different looking orchid. These plants can be very large with large flowers and very long spikes and yet others crossed hybrids neat compact plants.

Some other very worthy orchids of the Americas to consider are Zygopetalum, Maxillaria, Miltoniopsis, and Miltonia.