Tiger orchids, also known as Grammatophylum speciosum, are a type of orchid that is known to bloom slowly. These plants can take between 3 to 6 years to produce flowers. One way to encourage the blooming of tiger orchids is to cut the plant’s root fibers. Another way is to prune the old stems, which will stimulate the growth of new shoots that are more likely to produce flowers.
The tiger orchid is a group of orchids that bear tiger-like stripes on their flowers. The genus of tropical orchids that includes the tiger orchid is called Grammatophyllum, and it consists of 12 species.
Tiger orchids are among the largest orchids in the world, with pseudobulbs reaching heights of 5 to 10 feet and masses of up to one ton. They typically bloom every two to four years, with their impressive flowers commonly lasting for up to two months. The blooms are yellow with brown, red, and blackish-red speckles.
Tiger orchids are epiphytic plants that attach themselves to large trees in lowland tropical climates. These orchids are commonly found on the islands of Papua, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Nusa Tenggara in Indonesia. A variety of tiger orchids are commonly grown.
A. Grammatophyllum scriptum has flower strands that are yellowish with brown spots.
B. Grammatophyllum scriptum var citrinum has green flower strands without any spots.
C. Grammatophyllum tiger paw has a very thick motif of brown spots.
D. Grammatophyllum speciosum, commonly referred to as the sugarcane orchid due to its resemblance to sugarcane plants, is a notoriously challenging orchid to cultivate. Its blooming cycle is particularly difficult to initiate.
