Monkey Face Orchid


Monkey Face Orchid

Characteristics of monkey face orchids.

This amazing flower grows exclusively in the mountainous regions of Ecuador, Colombia and Peru, between one thousand and two thousand meters above sea level. Only a few and dedicated collectors have managed and under very meticulous conditions make it grow in areas other than these.

The face monkey orchids, however, does not depend on a certain time of year, it can grow and bloom at any time, but it has another great peculiarity besides its similarity to the facial features of a monkey: that smells like orange.

It presents a dense flowering with small flowers. The three sepals are equal in size while being welded on the sides leaving the apices loose, these loose ends are very thin and the two sides are curved on each side the central arches down.

The face monkey orchids form a kind of cap that covers the column. The sepals have a uniform pinkish white color in the beam. On the underside they present purple stripes.

The leaves are oblong with a length of 5 cm, they grow from the underground nodules that have a maximum size of 6 cm and are round. The inflorescensias that are erect in spike emerge from the basal rosette of leaves with the stem covered by a light green bract.

Habitat.

It might look like a good job done with Photoshop, but this orchid really exists, coinciding amazingly with the smiling face of a little monkey. The scientific name of this flower is very rare Dracula simia.

It only grows in the mountainous regions of Ecuador, Colombia and Peru, at an altitude of between 1,000 and 2,000 meters above sea level, but there are a few lucky collectors who have managed to make it grow in captivity.

The monkey face orchid is not a typical seasonal flower, in its natural habitat that can bloom at any time. But if its amazing appearance to the face of a monkey was not surprising enough, this flower smells much like a ripe orange.

History.

The orchid was named in 1978 by the botanist Luer, but it is in a family that contains more than 120 species that are mostly found in Ecuador. Up in the mountains the monkey orchids can bloom at any time, it is not specific to the season. The aroma resembles that of a ripe orange.

Culture

Germination is only part of one of the contexts related, in this case, to the cultivation of orchids. Germination is based on the introduction of a seed deep in the earth, either in a pot or on the surface of a garden or park.

This is the first context of the crops where we will find all the first experiences related to the future tree or shrub. The germination could last from one to two years on the surface that was chosen. In the case of orchid cultivation, this would have this duration since this process would last approximately one or two years where we would see the first branches, leaves and, during this process, the first blooms.

The cultivation of orchids has these advantages if it finds a site that has already been responsible for the germination of the same and so people acquire a product that is already semi-mature to obtain the same famous flowers it produces.

Care

Each species of Orchid has its requirements in terms of irrigation, light and temperature, however, it is a type of flower that is not recommended to locate in places that are too bright. If the light is very intense, you will have to add a partial shade in addition to avoiding air currents, both cold and hot.

Regarding the amount of humidity for its development, it is necessary to take care that they are not exposed to air conditioners or heaters because they dry the humidity of the environment. Rainwater is the best that exists for the plant. In summer seasons or very hot seasons, we can water them every day but during the winter as well as during their flowering period it is recommended to gradually reduce the risks.

Don Burke

I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide.  I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.

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