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The Minnesota Zoo displays its collection of over 1300 orchids
throughout the Tropics Building all year long. The orchids are
grown in the Zoo’s support Greenhouse and brought up to
the Tropics Building when they are in flower. The plants are
displayed along the Tropics Trail and you can look for these
flowers during your next visit. The six main types of orchids
that are exhibited are listed below.
Cattleya
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Cattleya family
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Cattleya family
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Cattleya
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Also called the “Corsage Orchid’ the Cattleyas are
also epiphytes and often grow in trees. They have bulb-like stems
to store water and thick, fleshy roots. The Cattleya alliance
originates from tropical North and South America and is one of
the most cultivated groups of orchids. These plants bloom throughout
the year and are often displayed in the trees along the trail. (Photographs
#1 and #2 by Ryan Clausen.)
Cymbidium
The Zoo has over 200 Cymbidium orchids and since they all tend
to bloom in mid-winter, when you see one cymbidium, keep your
eyes open for more! These orchids can be grown outside in warmer
climates, although they hate intense summer heat. These orchids
are terrestrial (they grow on the ground) as opposed to the
Vandas and Dendrobiums which are ‘Epiphytic’ or ‘Air
plants’). (Photo #2 by Ryan Clausen.)
Dendrobium
One of the largest genus of orchids, Dendrobiums have one of
5 different growth habits. They range in size from under 10-inch
bright yellow flowers, to over 5 feet tall with pale pink flowers.
Dendrobiums are in flower throughout the year and are often displayed
along the trail, hanging in the trees. (Photographs
by Ryan Clausen.)
Oncidium
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This is a large and diverse group of orchids from the
tropical Americas. They grow anywhere from sea level in
Miami to the heights of the Andes mountains. These orchids
can be fun to grow as they have many bright, long-lasting
sprays of flowers. Look for the ‘Dancing Lady’ orchids
through the year, but especially in the early spring. (Photograph
by Ryan Clausen.)
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Phalaenopsis
This orchid is commonly called the ‘Moth Orchid’ and
it’s easy to see why. These plants have become the favorite
orchid of the US and plants are readily available at many stores.
The Zoo has over 200 Phalaenopsis and you can watch for them
along the Tropics Trail although there are usually many of them
on display at the Living Wall at the Trail entrance. (Photographs
by Ryan Clausen.)
Vanda
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Vanda |
Vanda Family |
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The Vanda alliance is made up of warm and full-sun-growing orchids.
These plants are native to tropical Asia and have colorful flowers.
Often these plants are grown in a basket with very little potting
mix and so require lots of water and humidity. These plants bloom
throughout the year so look for them on your next trip to the
Zoo.
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