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The Yolk-Yellow Orchid, Prosthechea vitellina

Prosthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flowers, bright orange and yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaProsthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flowers, bright orange and yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaProsthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flower, bright orange and yellow flower, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Prosthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flowers, bright orange and yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaProsthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flowers, bright orange and yellow flowers, close up of yellow flower lips, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaProsthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flowers and buds, bright orange and yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

I’m glad I splurged on this Prosthechea vitellina at the Pacific Orchid Expo in February. It was on my shopping list as a cool grower that I figured would do well here on the Northern California coast. Happily, it’s proven to be a great addition to our garden, and has settled into its new home nicely. It’s now been in bloom for over a month, and new orange and yellow flowers continue to open.

Prosthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flower and buds, bright orange and yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaProsthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flowers and buds, bright orange and yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaProsthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flowers and buds, bright orange and yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Prosthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flowers on mounted plant, bright orange and yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaProsthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flower and buds, bright orange and yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaProsthechea vitellina, AKA Encyclia vitellina, orchid species flowers and buds, bright orange and yellow flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Prosthechea vitellina, formerly known as Encyclia vitellina, is native to mountain forests of Mexico and Central America. It lives as high as 8530 feet (2600 m,) where it enjoys cool temps and bright light. With regular water, high humidity, and good air movement, this species can thrive. I’ve heard that it doesn’t live for long if it’s kept too warm.

This gorgeous orchid varies from light orange to scarlet. Mine has a brilliant combination of bright orange and yellow. The species name vitellina means “egg yolk yellow” in Latin, describing the sunny flower lip. In Mexico, its common name is Manuelitos. No matter what it’s called, I’m enchanted by it in our garden.

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This entry was posted on Friday, August 21st, 2020 at 5:04 pm and is filed under Cool Growers, Growing, Photos.

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