Weird unusual orchids?

[Tindomul]

Ooooh!! THat someone would be me



Its currently growing its new lead, and am keeping my fingers crossed that it will bloom again.

[smartie2000]

Gorgeous Vanda M Pearman! I think yous is prettier than mine.
Mine has three new growths in the same spot... brachys sometimes also give three leads in the same spot to drive their growers nuts because they get on top of each other. I had to repot and repostion it in an attempt to have all three of grow roots.

BTW they have pretty leaf tesselations and they are lower light growers. Water quality is important for these guys.

Paph helenae is also a tiny paph. It's a new species, so it is uncommon.

[smartie2000]

Paph henryanum also comes to mind they are pretty and their stems are only 15cm

[Mahon]

Originally Posted by daemondamian

Oh bummer And it was so tiny too! Any other paph/phrag suggestions that are small in growth and flower or with short spikes?

Mexipedium xerophyticum also loves it VERY dry... too much water rots them right out of the pot.

Smaller growth Paph. species (legal) would include Paph. barbigerum, Paph. helenae, Paph. niveum, and as Fren said, most of the Brachypetalums (though their leafspans can get a little long, and Paph. concolor has somewhat taller spikes)...

As for Phrag, my smallest one is Phrag. fischeri... the leafspan is about 10 inches, and is quite compact. My Phrag. schlimii has a leafspan of about 2 or more feet... here's both species (3 different plants)

Phrag. fischeri


Phrag. sclimii (#1)


Phrag. schlimii (#2)


-Pat

[Mahon]

Originally Posted by daemondamian

In the trend of the 'constant bloomers' list thread I'd like to start another one on 'weird, unusual' orchids- either how they look, grow, smell, flower etc..

I know there are sooo many out there!

I'd consider most orchids weird (except for most Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, and Dendrobiums)... most of my Pleurothallids would perhaps be considered "strange", because of the shape of the leaf, growth habit, immense size, or even minuscule size.

Perhaps this one is considered weird... it's a Florida native orchid which I began propagating years ago. It's very common throughout the state, except in my county (Sarasota County). Also known as 'Ladies Tresses', they look like a spiral staircase...

Spiranthes vernalis


Spiranthes vernalis close-up (5x)


-Pat

[smartie2000]

Just like a spiral staircase Pat! Cool. My staircase isn't that tall though These sprial stairs are very dangererous, if your not used to them....lol I tripped a few times when I moved in my house

Excellent photos too Thanks for sharing this one

[Tindomul]

Yup, that one is wierd!!!! Wiieeeerd!!!!!!!
Pat, any idea where we can find that little Phrag of yours? Its adorable!!!!!
And what everyone's thoughts of Paphiopedilum wardii?

[dave b]

Originally Posted by Mahon

I'd consider most orchids weird (except for most Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, and Dendrobiums)... most of my Pleurothallids would perhaps be considered "strange", because of the shape of the leaf, growth habit, immense size, or even minuscule size.

Perhaps this one is considered weird... it's a Florida native orchid which I began propagating years ago. It's very common throughout the state, except in my county (Sarasota County). Also known as 'Ladies Tresses', they look like a spiral staircase...

Spiranthes vernalis


Spiranthes vernalis close-up (5x)


-Pat

Great, another one i MUST have. Thats very cool.

[Ross]

Actually Lady-Tresses orchids are pretty common throughout US. For instance:

Spiranthes cernua

Spiranthes cernua

This orchid occurs (along with many other less-common Spiranthes) throughout the midwest US.

[Ross]

Almost forgot - these terrestials are pretty demanding in growth requirements (T-man, help me here!) They are terrestials, so regular growth requirements are out, they need special pH requirements and special wet season/ dry season requirements, and in some case are protected species. I think it unfair to list native protected species under a category that suggests beginners might actually successfully grow these species.