Rainforest Orchids

Cattleya

• Cattleya orchids are the largest group of rainforest orchids, with about 60 different species found in Central and South American jungles. They are often called the "Queen of Orchids" because of their beauty and popularity. Most cattleyas grow high in the tree canopy on top of other plants and produce large colorful flowers, often used in corsages. Although they grow on top of other plants, they don't use the other plants for nutrients, only for physical support to get closer to the light they need. Unlike most flowers, cattleyas frequently crossbreed in the wild. Cattleyas come in a full spectrum of colors and can grow anywhere from a few inches to a few feet tall.

Maxillaria

• Maxillaria are not very showy orchids as they tend to produce small, single flowers on short spikes. Like most orchids, they also grow on top of other plants as a way to seek out more light and get nutrients from the air. They produce pseudo-bulbs, bulb-like stems, and have thick and leathery leaves. Some can grow as little as 2 inches tall whereas others can grow about 3 feet. Their shape is also similar to most orchids because the shape of the bulb looks like a female insect, which lures male insects to the flower. Although they do not produce large flowers, they do tend to produce unique fragrances, such as coconut and cinnamon. The name of the plant derives from the Latin word for "jaw" because of the resemblance of the column and lip of the plant to that of an insect's jaw.

Epidendrum

• One of the most common ways to distinguish an epidendrum from another orchid species is by the frilly or fringed lip of the flower. Epidendrum tend to produce small and delicately elaborate flowers. Most epidendrum produce a fragrance but some do not at all. Although often found in jungles and tropical rainforests, they are one of the most adaptable orchid species and can be found in various climates, such as sunny fields and damp forests. Epidendrums produce bright, long-lasting flowers with a wide color range. They are tall, reed-like plants with clumps of beautiful flowers at the top. They are naturally resistance to insect infestations and produce flowers throughout the year.