Fantastic Plants III: Elegant Orchids

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Previously, we took a look at some of the most beautiful exotic plants. In this last episode, we are going to present you three beauties from the big family of orchid, which symbolizes elegance in Chinese culture.

Jade Slipper Orchid

Jade slipper orchid. /Photo by CGTN's Qu Bo

Jade slipper orchid gets its name from its slipper-shaped flower. This orchid is native to China and northern Vietnam.

Growing along limestone cliffs, the jade slipper orchid can thrive in cold winters and hot summers. In its native habitat, the temperature difference between summer and winter is about 48 degrees Fahrenheit.

As an ornamental plant, this orchid is loved by gardeners not only because of its shape, but also its sweet fragrance that smells like raspberry.

Moth Orchid

Moth orchids. /Photo by CGTN's Qu Bo

The common name of moth orchid came from a Swedish naturalist, as he mistook a large cluster of this orchid for a flurry of moths. Moth orchid is one of the most popular orchids in the world since it is a large genus of about 70 species.

This orchid is native to Southeast Asia and Australia. Since it is known as the easiest to grow among orchids, it has a nickname of “beginner's orchid.”

The flowers of moth orchids are long-lasting, and they usually can bloom for more than two months.

Chocolate Orchid (Oncidium Sharry Baby)

Chocolate orchids. ‍/Photo by CGTN's Qu Bo

Chocolate orchid is one of the favorite orchids of gardeners around the world.

This orchid is native to Central and South America. To attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, orchids dress in bright colors and disperse fragrance. The chocolate orchid manifests brown and white color and lets out an amazing fragrance of chocolate.

Chocolate orchid's fluorescence lasts two and a half months. Since it is also easy to grow, a lot of beginner gardeners will choose this orchid as their first.

Fantastic Plants

The Beijing Horticultural Expo 2019 serves as a perfectly good opportunity to exhibit over 1,000 plant species, most of which are from the tropical area. This three-episode program has selected some of the plants presented in the newly built Plant Pavilion with the most distinctive characters that are rarely noticed or even heard of by the common people.

Credit

Director: Wang Yulian

Editor: Wang Yulian

Filmed by: Liang Si

Designer: Qu Bo

Article Written by: Xu Chenlu

Presenter: Matthew Watson

Producer: Zhang Xiaohe, Wen Yaru, Mi Xue, Zhao Ying

Chief Editor: Chen Ran, Wang Dewei

Supervisor: Zhang Shilei

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)