People have always been fascinated by flowers, as their elegance and fragility make them symbols of love, purity, and beauty. Orchids are ones of the most popular flowers around the globe. There are more than 30,000 varieties of them.
Yet, one type of them is unique- the stamens and low petals of these orchids make them resemble monkeys!
Aren’t they just perfect for all animal and flower lovers?
The Monkey Orchid is found in forests of Peru and southeastern Ecuador, and it grows about 2,000 feet above sea level.
This orchid is also known as Orchid Simia or Dracula Simia (monkey dragon), a name given in 1978 by Carlyle A. Lueren, a botanist, due to their resemblance to the simians.
There are 118 different varieties of the flower, found in Mexico, Central America, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, with about half of them found in Ecuador.
Among them, Dracula amaliae and Dracula gigas are the most popular, both displaying the same monkey face, but each has a different color and shape.
The Monkey Orchid also has a pleasant scent, similar to the ones of fresh oranges. The best thing about these flowers is that they can bloom during any season, at any time.
Yet, they prefer colder temperatures and low light, and grow in high humidity. They can grow up to 2 feet tall!
Growing these orchids at home might be challenging, so here are some useful tips:
- Their plant container should have a drainage hole. Place a saucer under it. Keep the soil moist at all times.
- If you live in a warmer region, a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch will help you prevent moisture evaporation.
- They should be exposed to moderately bright light, but not to direct sunlight
- Pick off the faded blossoms to stimulate a fresh flush of flowers.
Welcome these adorable rare orchids to your home!
Sources:
didyouknowfacts.com
www.marthastewart.com
www.gardeningknowhow.com
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