A remarkable orchid species, the Anguloa uniflora, also known as swaddled babies orchids, discovered by botanists Antonio Pavon Jimenez and Hipolito Ruiz Lopez during a decade-long expedition from 1777 to 1788 in Chile and Peru, stands out among various orchid species.
Named in honor of botanist Don Francisco de Angulo, who was also the Peruvian Director General of Mines, this beautiful orchid boasts flowers that remarkably resemble swaddled babies.
Quick facts about the orchid
Here are some quick facts about this unique orchid:
Habitat: Found in the Andes regions of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador
Scientific Name: Anguloa Uniflora
Other Common Names: Swaddled Babies Orchid, Tulip Orchid
Despite being one of the smaller orchid species with a height ranging from 18 to 24 inches, the Swaddled Babies Orchid has distinctive features. Below its thin, pleated leaves, you’ll notice conical pseudo bulbs. However, the real star of the show is its intricate flowers, resembling babies snugly wrapped in swaddling cloth. These unusually large, cream-colored or white flowers exude a delightful fragrance and typically bloom in the spring.
In some regions, the flower is also known as the Tulip Orchid due to its similarity to tulip flowers. The outer part of the flower, encircling the “babies,” showcases petals arranged in an overlapping fashion, akin to tulip blooms. This orchid, with its fascinating characteristics, adds a touch of natural wonder to the Andes landscape.
Cultivating swaddled babies orchids
Swaddled Babies Orchids naturally thrive on the forest floor in the lofty Andes regions of South American countries like Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. These plants endure varying wet and dry spells in their mountainous home. However, if you want to cultivate them in your garden, you must mimic high humidity conditions, and experts often recommend using greenhouses for this orchid species.
The Anguloa Uniflora orchid also prefers the dappled light it naturally receives in its native habitat. Below are some essential tips for cultivating Swaddled Babies Orchids. Container and Soil: Use a plastic pot with multiple drainage holes. For the soil mix, combine perlite and bark with the option to add peat or charcoal. This mixture provides the ideal conditions for the orchid to thrive.
Fertilization: Apply fertilizer to the soil every two weeks throughout the year. This helps provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Watering: Keep the growing medium consistently moist during the plant’s development. Water every five to six days in the summer and slightly less frequently in the winter.
Humidity: To ensure robust and sizable flowers, maintain optimal humidity levels. Misting your orchids four to five times a day during the summer can contribute to the development of thick blooms.
Temperature: Swaddled Babies Orchids prefer specific temperature ranges. Aim for around 10 degrees Celsius at night during the winter and approximately 18 degrees Celsius at night in the summer. Daytime temperatures should be around 26 degrees Celsius in the summer and close to 18 degrees Celsius in the winter.
While it may seem challenging to meet these specific growing conditions, the effort is rewarded with the delightful fragrance and beautiful flowers of the Swaddled Babies Orchid, making it a worthwhile endeavor for enthusiasts.
Source: Greek Reporter