The orchid is one of the most popular house plants due to its showy and colorful flowers. The orchid family is one of the two largest families of flowering plants, and among this big family of 28,000 beautiful species, the dancing-lady orchid is definitely a famous one.

The dancing-lady orchid's attractive name comes from its flower, as its petals and lips make it looks like a lady in dress dancing on the branches. The plant is widespread in seasonally dry areas, from northern Mexico and the Caribbean to the Americas and has been cultivated around the globe. It usually blooms for 15 to 30 days from October to November.

The most common dancing-lady orchid produces a yellow flower. However, some hybrids can also produce red flowers. It is considered one of the first choices for houseplants and cut flowers.

If you want to grow one, please note that the plant grows best in partial sun and a warm climate of around 15 to 24 degrees Celsius. If your area has a harsh winter, you need to bring it indoors; or it will die. 

Before it flowers, water it if the soil turns dry, and apply adequate fertilizer to the soil. After it flowers, reduce the watering frequency to extend the flowering period.

(Cover image via VCG)

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