ORCHIDS FOR YOUR WINDOWSILL: THE GENUS ROSSIOGLOSSUM
Are you looking for an easy to grow orchid? Then one of my suggestions would be the exotic beautiful epiphytes, Rossioglossum species. You can keep them like a pot of Geraniums in your windowsill and they will live for decades.
The six members recognized in this genus occur from Mexico to Panama. Most like to be moist, warm during the day and cool in the evening which is perfect for a window with some light shading from the hot sun. They can grow to be quite large so you do need a windowsill that is wide.
Back in the 1800's these spectacular orchids belonged to the Odontoglossum genus. Like many other orchids these also have been moved from one genus to another. Since then 6 species have been moved to the genus Rossioglossum. They are mostly cool growers and all come from Central America.
Two species that were moved, O. grande and O. insleayi will continue to be shown as Odontoglossum for the hybrid registration.
Look for large plump pseudoblubs and broad green leaves. The pseudobulbs cluster in-groups and can be 3" tall and 2" wide. Certain species produce very tall, erect inflorescences on the new growth and carry large flowers.
Rossioglossumgrande (Lindley) Garay et G. Kennedy (1976.) commemorates John Ross, who collected orchids between 1820-1830 in Mexico.
Its flowers are the largest in the genus, mesauring 5" to 8" inches across and the inflorescence bears 4 -7 flowers.
The flowers are lemon yellow barred with russet brown bars. Due to the barring it is also been nicknamed the Tiger Orchid.
R. grande is a montane species from Mexico and Guatemala, living up to 2.700 m altitude. In cultivation it can adapt to warmer conditions and being an indeed sturdy orchid, it can be grown even in a living room, just like any other, common ornamental plant.
Rossioglossumgrande (Lindley) Garay et G. Kennedy (1976.)
The flowers are produced in early autumn to spring and open for 3 - 4 weeks or even longer if the plant is kept under cold, dry conditions.
Another species that has been moved is Odontoglossum williamsianum Rchb. f. (1881.) changed in 1986 to Odontoglossum grande var. williamsianum Rchb.f and finally to Rossioglossum williamsianum (Reichenbach f.) Garay & G.C. Kennedy (1976.). R. williamsianum may appear rather similar to R. grande, however, it is a rainforest species living in the mountains of Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras up to 1.000 altitude.
Its flower spikes are definitely longer, up to twice the height of R. grande, produced in in the spring to early summer, bearing 14 or more somewhat smaller, up to 6" (15 cm) flowers. The growth periods of the two species are also different, R. williamsianum commencing growth when R. grande is nearing completion.
This orchid is particularly suitable for home cultivation, on a windowsill but has to be protected from direct sunlight during the warm summer periods. Rossioglossum isleayi (Barker ex Lindley) Lindley (1840.) has also been moved all over.
First it was described by Barker as Odontoglossum isleayi, named in honor of his gardener, Mr. Isleay. Later John Lindley expanded the scientific description of this orchid twice, first in 1840, then again in 1852, so it became Odontoglossum insleayi (Barker ex Lindley) Lindley (1852.). Finally Garay and Kennedy transferred it to the newly coined Rossioglossum concept.
Therefore, the current valid name is Rossioglossum insleayi (Barker ex Lindley) Garay & G.C. Kennedy (1976.).
This rare epiphyte found in Mexico is a cool grower. It has slightly fragrant 3" flowers, which bloom in the fall. Prefers a slightly dry winter rest.
Cultivate under bright indirect light, 2500-3500 footcandles and intermediate to cool temperatures ranging from 52 °F min. to 80°F maximum Rossioglossum schlieperianum (Reichenbach f.) Garay & G.C. Kennedy (1976.)
This orchid makes its home from Costa Rica to Panama. It likes to stay moist and intermediate temperatures. It is compact growing and has large yellow and brown flowers. Rossioglossum splendens is a strange Mexican species. It tends to be variable in color and some forms have flowers of bright orange with a yellow lip marked with red spots.
Last but not least, the sixth member of this genus is Rossioglossum powellii (Schlechter) Garay & G.C. Kennedy (1976.)
I am sure you will be delighted growing any of these fantastic orchids or the hybrids that have been created using these species. The first time they flower for you I am sure you will be in for a big surprise at the size, coloring, and the fragrance of the flowers.