This month I’m going to introduce you to an orchid that is almost 134 years old. ‘How can that be?’ you say. I am here to tell you how it is that I acquired a plant this old and that it is still going strong to this day.

I am, of course, talking about Epicattleya (Epiphronitis) Veitchii. This is a primary hybrid that was a cross of Epidendrum radicans and Sophronitis (now Cattleya) coccinea (a synonym of grandiflora). This hybrid was created in 1890 by the Veitch Nurseries and that original plant is still alive today. In fact, the plant I have is a piece of the original. That makes this plant very old indeed.

I acquired my Epicattleya Veitchii in 2015 from Alan Koch out at Gold Country Orchids. Alan told me the story of this plant including the fact that it is from a piece of the original. Given that it was created by someone in a distant branch of my family and that it has some historical significance, I couldn't pass it up.

Here is the culture information for this orchid:

Most people grow it in pots, but I grow mine in a wooden basket and put a bit of floral wire across the front to keep it from falling out.

One of the nicest things about Epicattleya Veitchii is that it can bloom pretty much year-round. Given a little care, keeping it fairly moist, fertilizing and providing bright light, it will provide you with a great display of flowers for a very long time and would be a great addition to any collection.