One thing you don’t see very often in orchids is a nice green-colored bloom. I was flipping through one of my books for ideas this morning (Orchids by Thomas J. Sheehan) and found this lovely green orchid called Aeranthes grandiflora:
As part of the Angraecinae subtribe, it’s related to Angraecum sesquipedale, the “Darwin’s Orchid” that I featured awhile back. This baby is a Madigascar native with a butterscotch-like fragrance. Its blooms open at night and usually in succession over a long period of time. Apparently this orchid is easy to grow in the home, needing low light and medium to warm temperature.
Here’s what the actual plant looks like in bloom—long spikes with spidery-looking, small flowers:
Have a great weekend, everyone! My parents are arriving in NYC this evening so I’ll be off visiting with them.
11 comments
Thanks for this post!
OMG, I *LOVE* those flowers, so gorgeous! I think green flowers are so beautiful. I am going to put this on my wish list for sure, especially if it is easy to grow. The plant and flower spikes are very similar to my Jumellea that is in flower right now, which I guess makes sense because they are both Angraecoids. Am planning on posting some pix soon.
Green orchids are so beautiful! I just had to Google Jumellea because I’ve never heard of it. You can totally tell they’re in the same family just by looking. How long have you had yours? Can’t wait to see pics!
I just got a massive book, Angraecoid Orchids by Stewart, Hermans and Campbell – seeing as I’m in (and work throughout) the areas most of these guys come from (East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands), I think it’s only appropriate to take an interest in them! There are so many awesome plants in this group. One of the authors (Stewart) recently passed away and there’s an article in her in the March AOS magazine Orchids. I find the delicate whites and greens of this group really nice too!
p.s. thanks for the link to my blog! 🙂
You’re very welcome re: the link! 🙂
I haven’t read through the March AOS magazine yet, I will have to check it out. That book sounds nice!!
There is something special about a green orchid — so elegant looking. Love it.
Joyce Heiman
The hues of green are spectacular. Beautiful orchid.
Sarah,
My grandiflora is in spike! I’ll send you a pic when it blooms, or post it on the Brooklyn Orchid Growers site. Great posts!
Jim
Fantastic, Jim! Thanks for the comment! How was the meetup? I hope I can make it to the next one!