Rossioglossum grande or Tiger Orchid: a tough orchid to grow in Baltimore weather.

Rossioglossum grande is also known as the Tiger Orchid and originates in the elevated regions of Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala (http://eol.org/pages/1131539/overview). This orchid enjoys the cool misty mountain climate with plenty of humidity. It loves plenty of sunlight but not direct light.

The clear bold stripes on the flowers is the reason why Rossioglossum grande is known as the Tiger orchid. 

The blooms are estimated to be 6 in (15 cm) wide and there can be as many as 3 to 5 flowers per stalk. The flowers can last up to 2 months. Arne succeeded cultivating this orchid back in Sweden several times due to the cooler climate indoors but here in Baltimore, the heat was too much! The photos in this post were one Rossioglossum grande that did survive for 2 years. Once the flowers wilted away, the orchid never quite recovered. He gave it away to someone who could provide the orchid a cooler environment to grow.

Up close of the Rossioglossum grande. Notice how the tips of the petals were beginning to wilt? It is a impressive flower. 

During the Summer or warmer weather, Arne would place his orchid out on our front porch and it can be a great conversation piece with the neighbors around. Quite decorative too.

Unfortunately, we don't have this specimen anymore but I told Arne he shouldn't give up. He should find it and try again. This is one of my favorite orchids of his. It reminded me of another orchid that I had back home. It was also known as the Tiger orchid but its botanical name is Grammatophyllum speciosum. Apparently it only flowered once in 2 to 4 years but the flowers were many (80 flowers at once). I remembered a friend of my parents giving us the orchid plants and we were told to water them religiously and we waited, and waited until one day flower buds emerged. I don't have any photos but below are some photos I found. Amazing orchids.

We had 2 of these in our garden. The flower stems can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) high and the flowers can be between 5 in and 8 in (20 cm) wide.  

http://orchidscare.blogspot.com/2009/03/grammatophyllum-speciosum-flower.html