What's in Bloom

Bloom Highlights

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Sources for "What's in Bloom: Bloom Highlights" listings include the Chicago Botanic Garden's staff and database, as well as the publications and records of other botanic gardens, institutions, and the scientific community.

Cattleya labiata

Cattleya Orchid

The first species in this genus to be discovered, it produces large, fragrant, showy white or orchid colored flowers during Chicago winters. For gardeners of a certain age, this was the favorite flower for high school dates. Difficult but not impossible to be grown by homeowners, the following approach has produced repeat bloom. Once temperatures in summer have warmed up, move the plants to a full sun location on the patio and water daily supplementing the water with dilute soluble fertilizer weekly. The plants should dry completely between waterings, ideally given early in the day. When temperatures begin to cool in fall bring plants indoors and place under full sun spectrum grow lights on a timer set for approximately 12 hours in a basement or other area where temperatures are cool but well above freezing. Plants will produce two flowers from each sheath produced at the tip of the pseudobulbs that were formed during the summer.

The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals -- often in dramatic and contrasting colors and in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although some orchids are native to temperate zones, most orchids tend to prefer a semi-tropical or tropical environment (USDA Zones 9-11) and have epiphytic roots -- meaning they derive moisture and nutrients from the air and support from another plant; few orchids grow in soil. Orchids usually prefer a diurnal temperature fluctuation -- meaning warmer days and cooler nights -- though the absolute temperature range (cool, intermediate or warm) varies by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom display, most orchids will not tolerate sustained direct sun.

Many varieties have pseudobulbs, a portion of the stem between leaf nodes that stores water to help sustain the plant through dry periods. Other varieties are monopodial, meaning upward growth is from a single growing point.

There is an exception to almost every general statement one can make about orchids. The family continues to challenge taxonomists.

Paphiopedilum delenatii

Delanat's Paphiopedilum Orchid

This lady slipper orchid from Vietnam features pinkish purple cups surrounded by white petals. Green leaves are attractively splotched with dark burgundy. Discovered in 1913 by French troops it was thought extinct until it was re-discovered in 1993.

The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals -- often in dramatic and contrasting colors and in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although some orchids are native to temperate zones, most orchids tend to prefer a semi-tropical or tropical environment (USDA Zones 9-11) and have epiphytic roots -- meaning they derive moisture and nutrients from the air and support from another plant; few orchids grow in soil. Orchids usually prefer a diurnal temperature fluctuation -- meaning warmer days and cooler nights -- though the absolute temperature range (cool, intermediate or warm) varies by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom display, most orchids will not tolerate sustained direct sun.

Many varieties have pseudobulbs, a portion of the stem between leaf nodes that stores water to help sustain the plant through dry periods. Other varieties are monopodial, meaning upward growth is from a single growing point.

There is an exception to almost every general statement one can make about orchids. The family continues to challenge taxonomists.

Dendrobium Mini Snowflake

Mini Snowflake Latouria Orchid

Masses of 1-inch, fragrant white flowers are produced twice a year above the 8-inch tall pseudobulbs on this first-generation hybrid whose parents hailed from New Guinea. This orchid is not fussy as to light levels or temperatures but does require exceptionally well-drained soil media that is watered a couple of times a week. It does not require changes in day length, temperature, or moisture to induce flowering, unlike most other orchids. It's close to ideal for windowsill culture in the home.

The orchid family consists of a large number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals—often in dramatic and contrasting colors and in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although some orchids are native to temperate zones, most orchids tend to prefer a semitropical or tropical environment (USDA Zones 9-11) and have epiphytic roots—meaning they derive moisture and nutrients from the air and support from another plant; few orchids grow in soil. Orchids usually prefer a diurnal temperature fluctuation—meaning warmer days and cooler nights—though the absolute temperature range (cool, intermediate, or warm) varies by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom display, most orchids will not tolerate sustained direct sun.

Many varieties have pseudobulbs, a portion of the stem between leaf nodes that stores water to help sustain the plant through dry periods. Other varieties are monopodial, meaning upward growth is from a single growing point.

There is an exception to almost every general statement one can make about orchids. The family continues to challenge taxonomists.

Spathoglottis plicata

Philippine Ground Orchid

This clump-forming evergreen perennial grows to a height of 18 inches with full sun to partial shade and moderate moisture conditions. It has magenta blooms year-round.

Vanilla planifolia

Vanilla

Vanilla, besides being a fragrant extract essential to baking, is a vining orchid native to Mexico. It is not at all difficult to grow indoors given the proper conditions, but it may be difficult to induce it to produce the flowers, which are mostly lime green with long yellow tubes. The large ovate leaves are thick and waxy, and the vines can easily grow to over 100 feet long in the tropics, clinging to trees with aerial roots. The plants are self-fertile and in their native habitat, pollinated by indigenous bees. In cultivation, they are hand-pollinated to ensure production of the vanilla pods that carry vanilla "beans". This labor-intensive method is one reason that vanilla is so expensive. The Aztecs were the first to create the sublime blend of cacao and vanilla. Commerically, major producers of vanilla are Madagascar, Réunion Island and Indonesia.