Fragrant Orchids That Grow Upside-Down

Resupination

• Resupination is the process a flower stem goes through as it grows, which causes it to twist. It is a normal process for the flowers, where the orchid develops upside down and then turns 180 degrees by maturity. It then appears to be growing right-side up. In nature, orchids are forced to contort and change their stem direction to accommodate other, larger plant species. Their ability to grow in unusual locations also causes stem orientation to be skewed.

Pigeon Orchid

• The Pigeon orchid is an interesting white-flowering plant that bears buds and flowers under a horizontal stem. They dangle from the bottom of the stem like birds on an inverted wire. Many orchids appear to have flowers growing upside-down on the stem because of the weight of the flower. The Pigeon orchid naturally arcs out, and the little white perfumed flowers hang off the stalks. You can prevent this by staking the plant, but many wish not to, since the effect is appealing and mimics its natural habit.

Stanhopea

• Stanhopea is called the Upside-Down Orchid. Several species in the genus, which are heavily perfumed, are found in South and Central America. The plants grow stems vertically down through their pots, or rooting area, and develop flowers hanging under the plant. The flowers are waxy, thick and come in a wide range of colors and textures. There are about 50 species of the plant, many of which are under cultivation. Stanhopea require sheltered conditions and frequent watering.

Nonresupinate Flowers

• Nonresupinate flowers mature with the labellum, or lip, at the top of the flower, making the whole thing appear to be upside down. Encyclia and Prosthechea are two examples of this type of flower, and it is normal for the flower to be positioned in this fashion. The flowers appear to have been rotated upside down, but it is really the natural shape of the bloom. Pyramid orchids have upside-down flowers, but they have a rather unpleasant smell, unlike the pleasant fragrances of Encyclia and Prosthechea.