Rossioglossum grande

Common Name - The Large Rossioglossum - The Clown Orchid - In Guatemala - Boca de Tigre [Tiger's Mouth]

Up until thirt years ago ,this orchid was included in the genus Odontoglossum ; however ,differences in the morphology of its flowers earned it (and three other species ) a classification with in an independent genus . It is a good example of the fact that large -flowered species of botanical orchids can be successfuly cultivated even in an open grown style in apartments . This species ' pseudobulbs are up to 3.2 in/8 cm tall,flat ,bi-or trifoliate ,with sharp edges . The leaves measure 14 in /35 cm , they are elliptically elongated and and have a firm ,leathery epidermis . Some 4-8 (under cultivation usually only 2-4 ) large ,6 -in /15 cm across or smaller flowers grow on an erect flower spike . The basic color of all the tongue-shaped tepals is yellow: furthermore ,the sepals sport brown stripes and the petals have brown sports . Rossioglossum grande has some cultivation species which need to be observed for the plants to thrive and bloom . The basic cultivation rules consists in providing a well -lighted environment ,staandard care in the summer (that may include placing the plant in the garden )and ,first and foremost ,a cool (50 F /10 c )and dry period in the winter . If the plants are kept in an epiphytic substrate in flowerpots under these terms ,they thrive all year even in dry apartment air . Rossioglossum grande blooms between October and December and comes from Mexico and Guatemala.

Synonyms *Odontoglossum grande Lindl.1840