Some special orchid species have flowers that dwarf the rest of the plants and Rhychostele rossii is a good example.

This diminutive member of the Oncidium family is found in the cloud forests of Mexico and Central America, as far south as Nicaragua, from 2000-3000m altitude. As a result the species enjoys cool conditions and year round water.

The species usually flowers with us during March and April but has decided to flower early this year. The flowers last in good condition for eight weeks

We grow our plants in small baskets as we find that although plants enjoy lots of water they like good drainage too, and being miniature are at risk from being outcompeted by moss when grown in a pot. They also appreciate good light and we keep baskets high in the greenhouse.

We have two very distinct clones of the species and both of the clones are now flowering. The first has larger pinker flowers with browny-purple spots while the second produces a larger number of slightly smaller, and more star like flowers, and is white with orange-brown spots and stripes. Both clones are lovely and produce large flowers (up to 8cm across) on tiny plants with a 2cm bulb topped with a single 5cm leaf.