As dark nights draw in we often end up watering the greenhouse after dark – thankfully there are plenty of orchid species that shine out one the lights go on. One startling species this week is Barkeria skinneri.

The species is native to Mexico where it grows in open deciduous oak forrest. Each year it grows long cane like stems up to 1m long, and produce spikes covered in glorious pink flowers and this year we have more than ever.

We find that barkerias have to grow mounted as roots quickly rot when we pot them. The abundant roots seem to thrive when out in fresh air where they dry quickly after watering. We spray plants heavily during the summer when in active growth but reduce watering in the winter when the plants become semi-deciduous.