This orchid is new to my collection. I saw it at Peach State Orchids and couldn’t resist. It’s perfect for the holiday season! It was beginning to bloom when I bought it and now it is starting to open up. It doesn’t look like an orchid at all, but it’s quite spectacular!

History and Features

Stenorrhynchos speciosum (sometimes listed as Spiranthes speciosa) is commonly known as the Christmas Orchid due to its winter blooming habit. It's a terrestrial orchid native to South America, particularly Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. The name Stenorrhynchos comes from Greek words meaning "narrow beak," referring to the shape of the flower parts. It's one of the few orchids that reliably blooms during the winter holiday season

The plant produces striking red-orange to scarlet flower spikes that emerge from a rosette of silvery-green, striped leaves. The leaves are quite attractive even when the plant isn't in bloom, with distinctive white or silvery veining on dark green background. The flower spike can reach 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall, bearing numerous small tubular flowers arranged in a spiral pattern.

This orchid was first described scientifically in the early 19th century. It has been cultivated for many years due to its striking winter blooms and attractive foliage. It goes dormant and its leaves die back after it blooms.

Culture

Temperature

- Intermediate to warm growing

- Day: 65-80°F (18-27°C)

- Night: 55-65°F (13-18°C)

- Tolerates normal home temperatures

- Protect from extreme cold and heat

Light

- Moderate to bright indirect light

- Some direct morning sun beneficial

- East or filtered south window ideal

- 1500-2500 foot-candles

- Silvery leaves indicate correct light

- Protect from hot midday sun

- Does well under LED lights

Water

- During Growth (Spring-Fall):

* Keep consistently moist

* Don't let completely dry out

* Water when top of media feels dry

- During Dormancy (after blooming):

* Reduce watering significantly

* Allow to dry more between waterings

* Don't let roots completely desiccate

- Resume normal watering when new growth appears

- Morning watering recommended

Potting and Media

Terrestrial mix
- Fine bark or orchid mix
- Peat moss
- Perlite
- Some organic matter
Repot when new growth begins
Shallow pots work well
Annual repotting usually beneficial

Additional Notes

Goes dormant after blooming and loses its leaves
Winter blooming (hence "Christmas Orchid")
Feed regularly during growing season
Stop fertilizing during dormancy
Attractive silvery-veined foliage
Easy to grow terrestrial orchid
Good windowsill grower

Strs speciosum