Easy Orchid Flower – Pholidota Rubra

Author: adminNo Comments

Blooming, Care and Culture, Classification, Growing Indoors

I define “easy” orchids as those that can be grown indoors in mild climates in homes that have the heating on during the daytime in winter.

This intriguing miniature species discovered India in 1836 is known as the rattlesnake orchid for the shape of its pendent inflorescence that gives the impression of a rattlesnake’s tail. The individual cupped and rounded flowers appear in the fall and are densely packed along the drooping spike. They are extremely small and do not open fully. This is one of very many miniature orchids which find favor with lovers of small, unusual plants. The plant itself is neat, with rounded pseudobulbs and single leaf on each. From the base of this, the flower spike extends from an extremely thin and wiry stem. The plant does well with very little attention on a windowsill or in a cool greenhouse.

Flower Size: 1/4 inch (5mm) across

Flower Spike: 7 inches (18cm)

Plant Height: 9 inches (23cm)

Pot Size: 3 inches (8cm)