A Rare and Beautiful Event: BBG’s Tiger Orchid Blooms
By BBG Staff on November 15, 2011
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It’s not every day that a tiger orchid blooms in Brooklyn. It’s not even every year. In fact, BBG’s Grammatophyllum speciosum had only bloomed twice in its 13-year residence here—until now. The 300-pound tropical orchid has thrived since it was repotted in June 2010 and is now producing a magnificent display of 17 flower spikes and hundreds of yellow-and-brown-spotted blossoms. Even in its native habitat of Southeast Asia, the species blooms infrequently—reportedly once every two to four years. For a specimen to blossom in cultivation and at this latitude is a special event indeed. Don’t miss it.
Comments
Sarah
I visited last Friday and was pleasantly surprised to see that this orchid was in bloom! I posted about my visit (along with my photos) on my orchid blog, Brooklyn Orchids: http://brooklynorchids.wordpress.com/2011/11/12/grammatophyllum-speciosum-blooming-at-brooklyn-botanic-garden-and-other-wonderful-things/
I really want to come back and see the Tiger Orchid again, because when I went there were lots of buds that weren’t open yet!
jennifer Napoli
I saw the Tiger Orchid today in the Aquatic House.
What a grand and beautiful orchid plant. Huge I think close to 8 feet long or more with branches of in full flower, orchids flowering fantastically. My compliments to the Orchid expert this is a delightful surprise.