The orchid collection has its own glasshouse in the conservatory at the United States Botanic Garden. Special orchid plants can also be found in the garden court and world desert areas. Plant collections are continuously on display and open to the public all year, in addition to holiday exhibits.
Endangered Orchid Plants
Of interest is the Paphiopedilum vietnamense that was confiscated, in 1999, from an illegal shipment of the rare orchid species. The botanic garden is a member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, thereby, accepting care of these plants. The rare orchid was previously only known to exist in the Thai Nguyen Province of Vietnam.
Other rare and endangered orchids include Cymibidium sinese, a terrestrial orchid whose habitat ranges from India to Taiwan. Another Paphiopedilum, species victoria-regina is a tropical ladyslipper orchid, native to the Sumatra Islands.
Desert Orchid
Seen in the world desert glasshouse is a desert orchid, Zulenkoa onustum, found in dry regions of Ecuador and Peru. It is an epiphyte, attaching itself to cactus or shrubs and able to store water in the bulbous plant structure.
Most epiphyte orchids are thought of as native plants found in rain forest environments. They make homes on other plants and live off the air but are not considered parasites.
Orchid Collection Flowers
A variety of Cattleya orchids can be seen at the botanic garden. Orchid Brassocattleya, in nature, is listed as rare and endangered by CITIES.
Miltassia ‘Dark Monarch’ is an epiphyte, also on display. Another Miltassia cultivar is ‘Amethyst’ available to home gardeners in the United States.
In the orchid glasshouse is Miltonia Clown Mask ‘Xclnt.’ Resembling Miltonia are Miltoniopsis hybrids for home gardeners to grow.
Orchid Information for Gardeners
Home gardeners can avoid wild orchids stolen from native countries by purchasing plants from reputable nurseries. These orchids have been proven to grow successfully indoors or outside in warm climates. Here are suggestions and tips for best success:
- Cattleya orchids - flower fall to spring, need midday shade outside or bright light indoors with a nighttime temperature above 55º F.
- Cymbidium orchids - bloom summer to early fall, enjoys morning sun outside, or bright light indoors, needs below 80ºF temperatures and cool nights.
- Paphiopedilum orchids – called slipper orchids, they bloom early summer, like shade outdoors and bright light inside, with temperatures above 55º F.
- Zygopetalum orchids – flowers fall to spring, preferring light shade outside and bright indoor light in temperatures 55ºF or greater.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
Chris Eirschele - Chris writes on plants grown and gardens explored; she is a member of the Garden Writers Association.
