Orchid Room
Welcome to the Orchid Room, a window to the tropics.
Orchids are one of the largest families of flowering plants, making up 10% of all plant species. Orchids span the entire globe and grow on every continent except Antarctica, with lush diversity in the tropics.
Even our native Maryland has 26 species. Many tropical orchids are epiphytic or lithophytic, living life on the side of a tree or rock rather than in the ground. These types are the main focus of the Rawlings’ 1300 plant collection.
Featured in the Orchid Room
Bulbophyllum
Bulbophyllum Orchidaceae
sporadic blooms year-round, heavy in summer
Bulbophyllum is the largest genus of orchids and one of the largest genera of flowering plants, with 2000+ species spanning the tropics across the globe. Originally evolving in New Guinea with over 600 species endemic to the region, these orchids’ microscopic windborne seeds have allowed it to hop continents and colonize the globe with over a thousand species across Asia, a few hundred in Tropical Africa and a few dozen in the New World.
They are wildly diverse in their flower morphology with flowers but a common theme is fly pollination, leading to many of these beautiful plants being quite stinky.
Dendrobiums
DENDROBIUMS Orchidaceae
blooms in winter, spring, and summer
Dendrobiums, a diverse genus of orchids, encompass over 1,500 species spread across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Predominantly found in Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia and China, these orchids also thrive in other areas like Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Known for their vibrant blooms ranging from whites to purples, dendrobiums display the rich diversity of the orchid family. With unique features such as pseudobulbs for water storage and aerial roots for stability, dendrobiums remain a fascination for botanists and orchid enthusiasts, showcasing nature’s intricate beauty.
Paphiopedilum
paphiopedilum orichdaceae
blooms December to March
Paphiopedilum, commonly known as slipper orchids, are a fascinating genus within the orchid family. With over 80 recognized species, they are primarily found in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Unlike many other orchids, Paphiopedilums grow in the ground, often in the humus-rich soil of tropical forests.
Their unique pouch-shaped flowers, resembling a slipper or shoe, have evolved to attract specific pollinators, typically insects seeking shelter or food. Cultivated for their elegant and diverse blooms, Paphiopedilums are highly valued among orchid enthusiasts for their unique appearance.
The Orchid Room is a popular destination for photographers – Here are some of our favorites from over the years. Tag us on Instagram: @RawlingsConservatory
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