Simon & Schuster's Guide to Orchids

Chapter 1 ENTRIES1 ACACALLIS CYANEALindl.(Maxillarieae, Zygopetalinae)SynonymsAganisia coeruleaRchb. f.,A. tricolorBatem.OriginBrazil, Colombia, Venezuela.DescriptionMedium-sized plant with visible rhizome. The pseudobulbs are fusiform, compressed, and slightly rugose, often covered with dry bracts; they are generally equipped with a single elliptic leaf, glossy on the upper side, and normally measuring a little over 8 in (20 cm) long and at least 2 1/2 in (6 cm) wide. The curved inflorescence sprouts from the base of the mature pseudobulb and has a variable number of flowers that open in succession. The flowers, 1 1/2-2 in (4-5 cm) in diameter, never open fully; they are periwinkle blue, almost white near the base of the petals and sepals and have a bronze or reddish-purple lip. They appear in summer.CultivationThe plant is usually grown on rafts of tree fern or on cork, but can also be kept in a basket or pot, preferably one that is broad and shallow, in which case the compost must be enriched with sphagnum. A. cyanea needs humidity, both in surroundings and growing medium, and does not like being repotted or divided; such operations should therefore be carried out only when absolutely necessary.2 ACINETA SUPERBA(HBK) Rchb. f.(Cymbidieae, Stanhopeinae)SynonymsAnguloa superbaHBK,Peristeria humboldtiiLindl.OriginColombia, Ecuador, Panama (?) Venezuela.DescriptionLarge plant. The ovoid pseudobulbs, up to about 4 in (10 cm) long, bear 2-3 lanceolate, plicate leaves, 16-20 in (40-50 cm) long and 3 in (7-8 cm) wide. The pendulous inflorescences 8-12 in (20-30 cm) long, have very big flowers, the color of which varies from creamy white to beige, heavily marked with darkish orange-red spots. The flowers, waxy and long-lasting, never open completely They appear in spring.CultivationThis species must be grown in a fairly broad mesh basket to allow the inflorescences to protrude in all directions. Sphagnum or osmunda fiber is recommended as a growing medium. During growth the species requires frequent watering; later it is advisable to give it a period of rest at a lower temperature to enable the pseudobulbs to mature, and to stimulate flowering.3 AERANGIS LUTEO-ALBA(Kraenzl.) Schltr. var.rhodosticta(Kraenzl). J. Stewart(Vandeae, Aerangidinae)SynonymsAngraecum mirabileHort.,A. rhodostictumKrzl.OriginEast Africa.DescriptionThis is perhaps the loveliest of the 50 or so species of the entire genus. Medium-small plant, monopodial in structure, with a very short, prostrate stem. The leaves are alternate, linear, slightly coriaceous, 4-5 in (10-12 cm) long, with an unequally bilobed apex. The axillary, curved, pendulous inflorescence, sometimes more than 8 in (20 cm) long, bears numerous flat flowers in two rows, 1 1/2 in (3-4 cm), ivory white with an orange-scarlet column, which open simultaneously. There is a spur of 1 1/2 in (3-4 cm) at the base of the lip. The orchid flowers in winter and spring.CultivationThis species, together with others of the same genus, prefers to grow on cork, on a block of wood or on a raft to which its roots can adhere and enjoy good air circulation: stagnant water is, in fact, particularly harmful. During the summer, which is also the period of growth, the species needs daily spraying, while in winter it is enough to water it once every 5-6 days. If well cultivated, the stems of this species may branch forming small groups which, while in flower, will make a fine spectacle with their numerous spikes.4 AERIDES ROSEALoddiges ex Lindl. & Paxt.(Vandeae, Sarcanthinae)SynonymsAerides williamsiiWarn.,A. fieldingiiWilliams.OriginSikkim to Assam, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Burma.DescriptionPlant with monopodial structureFanfani, Alberto is the author of 'Simon & Schuster's Guide to Orchids ' with ISBN 9780671677985 and ISBN 0671677985.