Truly otherworldly-looking flowers characterize this hybrid. Psychopsis Mendenhall 'Hildos' received a First Class Certificate: the highest award from the American Orchid Society. These will keep putting out flowers on the same stalk, often for years, so don't cut them back until the stalk becomes thoroughly dried out. Because of the way the flowers dance on the wind they are also often called 'butterfly orchids'. In addition to these unique flowers the leaves and bulbs are beautifully patterned and attractive in their own right. They also tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Psychopsis are unusual in that they can bloom nonstop for 5-15 years on the same flower stem. They have one flower at a time per stem but will develop numerous stems as the plant gets larger. Never cut the flower spikes even if you should accidentally break one as they can branch below the break and continue to flower.
The flowers last about three weeks before falling off and within another three weeks or so, another bud opens and repeats the process. They are easy and grow best a bit crowded, but prefer new mix or moss — repot every year or so, but don't over pot. Water regularly in spring to fall. Reduce watering in the winter and let pot dry between waterings.
