The Tropical Glasshouse in spring

The recently renovated Tropical Glasshouse is awash with spring colour! Here’s the latest update from RBG-er Julie:

As you enter the door, look up and you’ll see Stanhopea wardii flowering through the
bottom of the hanging basket. You’ll also see as you go through the glasshouse that
there is a bit of colour, and it’s looking great! Beware though – on a warm day it can be a bit stifling – just like a tropical jungle!!!

Stanhopea wardii (Ward’s Stanhopea)
This orchid is an epiphyte found from Nicaragua to Venezuela growing on trees and
rocks from low altitudes, up to and over 2,000 metres. It needs the high humidity and
warmth of the tropical house to get close to it’s natural growing conditions. Each flower spike should last from 2 – 4 days, and there are a few more buds still to come through. The flowers have a sweet fragrance – get up close and sniff ☺ you’ll be surprised!

Aeschynanthus speciosus (Lipstick Vine)
You can’t miss this plant - it’s the bright orange one flowering in the middle of the
Glasshouse. It’s another epiphyte, but this one’s origin is South East Asia, where it grows on the branches of trees. The plants you see are in pots, though there are some young plants not yet displayed which will go into hanging baskets for a more spectacular display next year!

Also well worth a look are the Phalaenopsis orchids and the Bromeliad which is thinking quite seriously about flowering…

Did you know?

The minimum temperature in the Tropical Glasshouse is 16C and the humidity is usually 70% or higher.
As all the plants are grown in pots, the re-potting is continuous.
The Tropical Glasshouse is open daily from 10am – 4pm, and 12 – 4pm on Public Holidays.