ONE of the World's Weirdest Flowers

The first time you come across a picture of a monkey face orchid, you can be forgiven for thinking that you are looking at an image that has been subjected to photo editing. But I kid you not, Monkey face orchids are not only real, there are number of species - each with a different face!

Monkey faced orchids are some of the most intriguing and captivating ornamental flowering plants that money can buy. And why wouldn't they be when they are one of the few plant genera than can look back at you when you look at it!

These rare monkey orchids only grow in the cloud forests of southeastern Ecuador and Peru at elevations of 1,000-2,000 meters on the side of mountains. In the scientific name, “simia” refers to the monkey face and “Dracula” refers to the two long spurs that hang down, almost like fangs.

What makes this flower even cooler (as if it needed to get any more awesome) is that it smells just like a ripe orange when fully blossomed. Incredible!

Dracula simia, called also "Monkey Orchid" or "The Monkey-Like Dracula," is an epiphytic orchid in the genus Dracula.

As you can clearly see from the images within this post, the arrangement of column, petals and lip strongly resembles a monkey's face.

Incidentally, the genus name 'Dracula' refers to the strange characteristic of the two long spurs of the sepals, reminiscent of vampire fangs!

The orchid is in fact a recent discovery and was only named in 1978 by the botanist Luer. Research has discovered that the monkey orchid is part of a family containing over 120 species, mostly found in Ecuador.

The monkey orchid is extremely rare, and only a few lucky collectors have been able to habitat.

They are found only on the mountains of Ecuador and Peru at elevations of 1000 to 2000 meters above sea level.

Up in the cloud mountains the monkey orchid can flower at any time – it is not season specific.

The plant blooms at any season with a single 5 cm successive flower. These fascinating flowers are also endowed with an unusual fragrance, the scent of a ripe orange.

How to grow:
Requirements for growing Monkey orchid:
Cold temp: 6-8c night 20c day (not hot summer), high humidity 65%+, soil sphagnum moss with little bark, the pot need to be open (with big holes) for the flowers and growth

What is the best way to start growing Monkey orchid:
Plant / Vegetative Reproduction

Is it necessary to graft or use vegetative reproduction in Monkey orchid?
No, but really hard to start from seeds

Difficulties/Problems with growing Monkey orchid:
Very specific requirement

When is the best time to plant a Monkey orchid plant:
All year

Pests and diseases in Monkey orchid:
Aphids

When is the best time to prune a Monkey orchid plant?
All year

How to prune a Monkey orchid:
Dead leaves

What is the size of a Monkey orchid plant?
20-50 cm

Growth speed in Monkey orchid:
Medium growing

Monkey orchid Irrigation Water Management:
Big amount of water

Light conditions in optimal condition for growing Monkey orchid:
Full Shade (light)

It is possible to grow Monkey orchid indoor?
Yes

Growing Monkey orchid is also possible in a planter /flowerpot / containers:
Yes

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