Description

Trichoglottis smithii

Trichoglottis smithii is one of those species that rewards close inspection. While the flowers are not especially large, their intricate details more than make up for their diminutive size. The lip is particularly attractive, featuring a delicate frilly ridge that deserves a close-up photograph the next time our plants bloom.

I’ve read that the flowers are fragrant, although our plants grow just out of easy reach and I haven’t yet managed to verify that firsthand. Whether fragrant or not, the blooms possess a delicate charm that makes this species stand out among its relatives.

We grow our plants in a warm area of the greenhouse, where they have proven adaptable and easy to cultivate. Like many epiphytic orchids, Trichoglottis smithii performs well mounted or simply hanging on a screen with good air circulation. It appears capable of tolerating a fairly wide range of temperatures, making it a versatile species for many growers.

This species has previously been known as Trichoglottis appendiculifera and Trichoglottis quadricornuta. While it is useful to know the synonyms when researching the species, having multiple names attached to the same plant can certainly be confusing.

Charming flowers, interesting details, and straightforward culture make Trichoglottis smithii a neat and rewarding species for collectors.

We’re selling divisions mounted on cork.