Anguloa orchids

Anguloa is a small New World genus of around ten species, native to the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Plants produce robust pseudobulbs topped with broad pleated leaves, and send up thick flower stems bearing single large waxy blooms that remain almost fully closed into a tulip-like cup. The common name "tulip orchid" refers to this distinctive cupped flower shape, which sets the genus apart from almost every other orchid.

Inside the cup, the lip sits loosely hinged so it rocks with the breeze — a feature that has given the plants an additional nickname, "cradle orchid", because the lip appears to cradle the column as though rocking an infant. Most species are fragrant.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): cool to intermediate temperatures (nights 10 to 15 °C), bright indirect light (2,000 to 2,800 footcandles), consistent moisture during active growth, a brief drier rest after the leaves complete their cycle, 60 to 75 percent humidity. Medium fir bark with added perlite in generous pots.

Species include Anguloa uniflora, Anguloa clowesii, Anguloa cliftonii, and Anguloa ruckeri. Hybrids with the related genus Lycaste produce the intergeneric Angulocaste. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.