Doritis pulcherrima

One of the most reliable orchids for late summer and fall blooms is Doritis pulcherrima. Even the smallest plants rarely fail to send up a spike each year.
This genus is closely related to Phalaenopsis and much hybridization between the two has been done over the years. The Doritis genes bring smaller plant size and a more erect flower spike to their progeny.
The natural species usually only has a leaf spread of 4-6 inches and several plants can grow comfortably together in a 4-inch pot.

They multiply by clumping so it's typical to see plants grouped together in a single pot. When they fill the pot it's time to divide them, giving each one its own space. I like to divide in the spring, giving the young plants all summer to get established and ready for the annual bloom.
Individual flowers are about 3/4 inch across, with petals strongly recurved back toward the stem. The blooms open a few at a time, progressing up the spike, which continues to elongate as new buds are produced. The flowering period easily lasts for 2-3 months, with the spikes often reaching 3 feet in height. In high light the spikes are mostly vertical, but in shade they tend to bend toward the light.

Doritis pulcherrima is a fairly cold-tolerant species and survives brief temperatures in the upper 20°F range if situated under dense trees or shrubs during cold snaps. It also tolerates higher light and drier conditions than its Phalaenopsis relatives.

Ascocentrum curvifolium

Ascocentrum curvifolium is a very reliable, spring-blooming orchid. With virtually no care at all, this plant will reward you with blooms year after year. The bright orange flowers form large clusters near the ends of the stems. They will stay in good color for 2-3 weeks.

The leaves are about eight inches long, and curve downward. They are very stiff and inflexible, forming a sharp v-shape. In high light, the leaves are often marked with purplish-brown spots. If well-grown, the plant will send out many offshoots, eventually forming a large specimen.
This species needs good air movement around the roots, and can be grown mounted, in slat baskets, or hanging freely in the air. When the weather is warm, they enjoy hanging in a tree where they'll get good air circulation and natural rainfall.

Asctm. curvifolium is native to Thailand, and is often used in hybridizing with other orchids due to its compact size and colorful flowers.

Dendrobium fimbriatum var. oculatum

Dendrobium fimbriatum is a very fragrant spring-blooming orchid. The scent can be detected several feet away from the plant. The growing canes of this epiphytic plant are somewhat pendulous and tend to arch out horizontally from the base. This growth habit lends itself well to hanging basket culture or mounting on vertical supports. The canes are 1 1/2 feet in length or more. This species grows best in bright light to filtered sun locations.

The leaves persist for about a year on the canes before dropping. Flowering occurs in the spring on the ends of bare canes. 

Each bloom spike will contain a cluster of bright golden-yellow flowers with a fringed lip and a dark maroon spot in the throat. Individual flowers are about two inches in diameter.

Older, lifeless-looking canes will sprout young plants (keikis) that can be removed once they have developed a root system of their own.

Orchid waterfall

Dendrobium pierardii planted on a horizontal branch makes a waterfall of blooms!  This orchid is cold-hardy to the mid 20° F range, deciduous, and pendulous.  Since they are leafless in the spring when the blooms appear, there is no foliage to obscure the mass of blooms.

The flowers are lightly fragrant and when the sun shines through the petals, they sparkle!  The yellow lip is slightly fuzzy.

Dendrobium pierardii is a natural epiphyte and thrives when planted along with other epiphytic plants. Here's one growing with Resurrection fern.

They require no care whatsoever once they are attached to the branch.  A single staple holds small plants steady until rooted.  The roots run along furrows in the bark and gather nutrients from decomposing leaves and other debris falling out of the tree.  New green shoots grow from the base of the plant in spring and will produce flowers a year later. 

Each year they grow larger and more beautiful! This specimen has been growing unattended for more than 20 years!

Another four years of growth since the above photo was taken for this original post and here's what it looks like:

I had to stand back much farther to get the whole thing in the photo!

Nun orchid (Phaius tankervilliae)

This is a terrestrial orchid that behaves like a perennial in the garden.  Phaius tankervilliae is native to large parts of tropical Asia.  The long, pleated leaves grow from the base of the plant and arch over to a length of two feet or more.  In early winter the flower spike will start to emerge from between the leaves and the flowers will open in mid-spring on a 3 to 4 foot stalk.  The bloom spike will last for 4 to 6 weeks. 

The nodding flowers are a rusty brown color on the front side and white on the back, with a prominent purple lip.  Each flower is about 3 to 4 inches across.  It is the reproductive parts within the throat of the flower that give the plant its name.  If you peer inside you will see the image of a nun wearing a white habit.

Phaius can be grown outdoors in the ground in USDA Zones 9-11.  In cold climates the plant can be grown in containers and protected from freezing weather.  A light shade or filtered sun location is best.
One other interesting thing about these plants is that you can cut the old flower stems into sections and lay on moist soil or sphagnum moss and they will send out roots and grow new plants!

Bletilla striata (Chinese Ground Orchid)

Bletilla  is a hardy terrestrial orchid rarely growing more than 12" tall.  The foliage dies back to the ground each winter.  Purple flowers appear in late winter to early spring in Zone 9B, and range in color from pale pink to deep purple depending on the cultivar.  There is also a white color form.  There are usually 6-10 flowers per spike.
Native to China and Japan, it grows well in USDA Zones 6-10 in filtered sun locations.
These are often sold in stores with other packaged perennial bulbs such as Blood lily, Amazon lily, etc.

Nun orchid in spike

The nun orchid (Phaius tankervillae) is starting to send up its annual flower spike from between the leaves.

To see a complete profile of this plant click here.