Family: Orchidaceae

These evergreen, epiphytic orchids are natives of Central and South America, with a single leaf arising from the small pseudobulb. The waxy, fragrant flowers are borne in pendulous clusters. Sometimes known as 'upside-down orchids', they must be grown in hanging containers as the flowers emerge from the base of the pseudobulb.

Species

S. oculata produces large, light yellow to orange flowers, spotted in maroon, on 15 cm (6 in) long stalks in summer. The lip is yellow and mauve in parts.

S. tigrina, probably the best known species, has large, unusual, yellow and brown flowers in summer which are quite pungent.

S. wardii is also quite widely grown. It has yellow flowers, spotted plum and purple.

Cultivation

Grow in a warm greenhouse in slatted, wooden orchid baskets, using a proprietary orchid compost formulated for epiphytes. Provide a humid atmosphere and, in summer, shade from strong sun. During the growing period, water regularly but be very sparing during the dormant period, which is invariably in early summer. Propagate by division when pot-bound.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 10 or tropical.