Domingoa
Considering its tiny flowers, this unusual Domingoa can really put on a show. Its thick, speckled leaves produce long stems with tiny purple blossoms. This plant can stay in bloom for more than two months, putting out successive flowers over late summer and early autumn.
I’ve had this Domingoa growing outdoors and blooming well for three years, but the flowers are so small that it’s been tough to take nice photos. Dave took some great shots recently, so I can finally share this little gem. Each flower is about 1/4 inch (6 mm) wide. Small bunches swing at the ends of spikes, or flower stems, which can grow over 1 foot (30 cm) long. The wiry spikes may look dead after blooms finish, but they can rebloom for years.
White and red speckles on the thick leaves keep this orchid interesting, even when it’s not flowering. Here on the California coast, it grows outdoors on a mount in partial sun. I keep it well-watered until winter dormancy, when I bring it indoors and cut back watering. It stays in our back room, where winter nighttime temps go down to 50°F (10°C,) until spring.
Native to parts of Mexico and Central America, this species recently underwent a name change from Nageliella to Domingoa. It’s an uncommon orchid to find, and it’s often listed under its old name. No matter what it’s called, it’s easy to find space for this charming mini in any collection.
Explore posts in the same categories: Dormancy, Growing, Intermediate Growers, Mini Orchids, Photos, Watering
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September 13th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
I have just recently bought an orchid and i dont know what kind it is. I had bought it off the clearance rack and wanted to bring it back. There are no blooms on it but the stems look like they are dying. Please help just learning to have a green thum.
September 14th, 2013 at 2:57 pm
Hi Brittnee. Check these basic orchid care tips to start. Don’t worry about the old flower stems dying. That’s normal, and the plant will grow new ones when it’s ready to bloom again. It will help to learn what kind of orchid it is so you can better understand its care needs. Since it’s not in bloom, look at the shape of the leaves, and then check this basic care info for Phals (scroll to the bottom of the page for pictures of leaves.) They’re the most common orchids sold today, and their leaves are distinct from most others on the market. Otherwise you may need to wait until it blooms to ID it.
September 21st, 2013 at 5:22 pm
Beautiful picture.
Thanks for posting.
October 9th, 2013 at 5:20 pm
Hi I am from Australia, this time I am enjoying these remarkable flowers. Thanks for sharing.