At Writhlington we grow 900 different orchid species and a small number of interesting primary hybrids. Coelogyne x intermedia (above)  is a natural hybrid between two of our favourite Coelogynes; Coelogyne cristata and Coelogyne flaccida (below). We have seen both species growing close together in Sikkim during our five school expeditions to this wonderful part […]

Another of our regular autumn orchids is this large flowered coelogyne with a magnificent hairy lip adapted for pollination by large bees. Coelogyne speciosum is native to Malaysia, Borneo, Java and Sumatra where it is reported from 700-2000m altitude. This variety (albicans) has more white on the lip and a light green flower colour than […]

We always have masdevallia species in flower and this week one of the most intriguing is this newly described species endemic to Ecuador. This species was first described in 2006 and is a small growing masdevallia with large long lasting flowers for the size of the plant (the leaves in the photos are just 4cm […]

Our Bulbophyllum alkmaarensis plants are bursting into flower again this weekend and this large plant is smothered in flowers and buds/ In the past five years it has grown all around its mount and is really attractive even when not in flower with its tiny bulbs and bright green. long lived, stiff 1cm leaves. This […]

We have had featured several miniature orchids this week, so in complete contrast we have one of our monster orchids in full bloom. Dendrochilum magnum is a magnificent species with long thin spikes that each hang down around ninety 1cm flowers. With around 70 spikes this year it means that our specimen has over 6000 […]