Miltoniopsis orchids are epiphytic orchids native to South American countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, and Colombia. There are about five to seven different Miltoniopsis species. Common names include the Colombian-type Miltonia, the Pansy orchid, and the Colombian orchid. There are quite a few of these orchids at the Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont, North Carolina.
Colorful designs of an orchid viewed closer at the Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont, North Carolina
A palette of colors on display at the Orchid Conservatory, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont, North Carolina
The Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has more than orchids. Guzmania is a genus of over 120 species of flowering plants in the botanical family Bromeliaceae. They are mainly stemless, evergreen, epiphytic perennials native to Florida, the West Indies, southern Mexico, Central America, and northern and western South America.
Not being too familiar with the variety of orchids, the focus is on its colorful beauty and form. Here are a few varieties at the Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.
Miltoniopsis are commonly known as ‘pansy orchids’ because of the similarity of the flowers to pansies. The main difference between Miltonia and Miltoniopsis is their flower shape. Miltonia orchids have large, flat flowers with five petals and sepals that are usually an equal size. Miltoniopsis orchids have smaller, rounder flowers with five petals and sepals that are unequal in size. Various specimens of these orchids are on display at the Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, North Carolina.
Visually pleasing blend of colors at the Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont, North Carolina.
Baskets with orchids and other plants add to the display at the Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont North Carolina.
While there are numerous orchids growing naturally in the conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, other decorative arrangements in flower pots add to the colorful environment.
The William H. Williamson, III, Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden features a waterfall with showy blooming orchids and tropical plants against a backdrop of rock designs.
While it was still too early during our visit for spring blooms, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden features 30 acres of spectacular gardens including a children’s garden, a conservatory dedicated to the display of tropical plants and orchids, the Dry Piedmont Prairie, annual and perennial displays, sparkling fountains, walking trails and more. The beautifully designed gardens with water features are captured below.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located on 380 acres of rolling meadows, woodlands and lakefront property in Belmont, North Carolina. The William H. Williamson, III, Orchid Conservatory is the Carolinas’ only 8,000-square-foot, five-story glass house dedicated to a display of orchids and tropical plants. Our camera club – Catawba Valley Camera Club, Hickory – visited the orchid conservatory a few months back and we are posting images from that trip.
During our visit there was an art exhibition by local students – old doors and shutters painted with orchid artwork.
Colorful flowers in the Biltmore Conservatory
A Colorful Flower Combination