Octopus-like flowers that sit upside down, blooming most of the year

Prosthechea cochleata, known as the cockleshell orchid, is an epiphytic perennial orchid prized for its unusual flowers. Its shape resembles an octopus (albeit with only five arms) with a dark, hooded labellum at the top and paler, hanging sepals and petals below. This is the national flower of Belize, where it is called "the black orchid."

The flowers are unusual in that they sit upside down compared to most other orchids; instead of the labellum twisting downwards, it is held at the top of the flower. The species begins to bloom in spring and can continue for up to six months.

The genus name Prosthechea comes from the Greek word for appendage (prostheke), while the shape of the labellum with its transverse lines resembles a cockleshell. The pseudobulbs are oblong-discoid and each bear one to three linear leaves.

Botanical description

The species is native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, and from Mexico to northern South America, where it grows primarily in wet tropical biotopes. It is epiphytic but also often found on rocks in open locations or in thickets and woodlands at elevations between 200 and 1200 meters, sometimes up to 2600 meters.

Care

Thrives in bright conditions; provide as much light as possible during winter but protect from direct sun in summer. Use a well-aerated epiphytic orchid substrate, such as a mix of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.

Water and mist year-round, but provide less water during the dormancy period when the plant is not actively growing. Ideal temperature 18-26 degrees Celsius. A support stake may be needed to ensure straight flower stalks and to keep the plant stable after repotting.

Emerging flower buds can be susceptible to mealybugs, so keep an eye out.