Aerides odorata

[IowaOrchid]

I have looked all over the forum and internet but, haven't found how big these guys get. I have a very small odorata that is the Vietnam pink type and I see it's roots are getting huge.: Can any one tell what I might expect for size. Thanks in advance.

Julie

[smweaver]

Well, Julie, do you have a good size greenhouse? If it's happy it will eventually become a pretty large plant (although it won't need to become a monster before it flowers). Mine's almost two feet tall, and it's still a fairly young plant. From what I've read, it can grow up to around four feet or so in height--and they have a tendency to branch out and form keikis (good for flowering and impressing your friends, but possibly a pain when it comes to finding it a suitable place to grow).

Steve

[IowaOrchid]

Thanks Steve, I guess I was afraid of that. I don't know where I will put it. Guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I now see why the roots are getting so huge. Thanks again.

Julie

[cneos]

Here is description for 'Rhonda Ann' a 91 point CCE (certificate of cultural excellence) from 2003 ...
Four hundred fifty typical I!A. odorata!I flowers and 60 buds on 15 inflorescences borne on a remarkably tall 155-cm plant with seven keikis in 12-inch square teak basket, fully leafed to the base, impeccably groomed.

Or tbis one 'Emily' CCM (84 points) from 1992 ... Thirty thousand three flowers and 368 buds on 92 inflorescences borne on a large, beautifully grown plant 150 cm by 83 cm vertically, grown in a 30 cm (12 inch) basket, an average of six inflorescences per growth; plant in beautiful condition; condition of flowers precluded higher score.

This info is from AQ Plus which I find is a great (inexpensive @ $50) database for awarded plants.

You've got a way to go before your plant gets this size, but even on a small plant, fragrant flowers are pretty spectacular.
Happy growing

[mollycart1]

Originally Posted by cneos

Or tbis one 'Emily' CCM (84 points) from 1992 ... Thirty thousand three flowers and 368 buds on 92 inflorescences borne on a large, beautifully grown plant 150 cm by 83 cm vertically, grown in a 30 cm (12 inch) basket, an average of six inflorescences per growth; plant in beautiful condition; condition of flowers precluded higher score.

I am sorry, but WHO HAD TIME TO COUNT ALL OF THEM? I had to ask....

[smweaver]

Yeah, I too have a bit of a headache just imagining having to count all of those flowers. But that had to be a spectacular display. Is there an online picture of it somewhere?

[cneos]

Originally Posted by mollycart1

I am sorry, but WHO HAD TIME TO COUNT ALL OF THEM? I had to ask....

'Lowly' students judges are given the assignment of counting. The smart ones have learned to divide and conquer.

There are photos on AQ Plus ,,,

[IowaOrchid]

Oh my gosh, now I've got to find a place to put this giant. I sure hope it's a slow grower. Thanks for all that information.

Julie

[trdyl]

I have heard that they can reach 5 feet.

[wonderlen3000]

I had seen plants growing up to 6 feet in Asia. But of course that is in its natural habitat (tropical condition) so, it might not get that big in our climate because of our short summer. But it certainly going to get that tall in 10 years or so, enjoy the plant. You can also top cut the plant once it get over 3 feet tall.