There are a number of orchids that combine brown and pink in their flowers and one of our favourites is this Mexican species.

This is a strong growing species found in open forests between 1000m and 1400m altitude. The species description gives the spike length as 30-60cm but our plant usually manages at least 1m and this year the branched spike is 140cm tall with around 180 flowers each 3cm across.

The plant grows in a basket and seems to thrive in good light with heavy watering when in growth from now until November.

This plant was purchased in 1995, as a seedling growing on a tiny slab of cork. The trader (who is no longer in business) described the species as a miniature! Always do your research! not that we mind.