Name: Dichaea laxa (Ruiz & Pav.) Poepp. & Endl.

Synonyms: Fernandezia laxa, Epithecia laxa, Dichaea maculata.

Etymology: laxa means “loose” or “widely spreading” and refers to the growth habit.

First description: The species was described in 1794 as Fernandezia laxa by Ruiz & Pavón; the current combination was established by Poeppig & Endlicher in 1836.

Origin / Habitat: Ecuador and Peru, as well as other areas in western South America, at around 230–1250 m. It grows epiphytically in humid tropical forests.

Description & Notes: A larger, pendulous orchid with branched stems and leathery leaves arranged in two rows. The individual flowers appear on short axillary inflorescences and are fragrant in the early morning. Here, it grows in bright to partially shaded conditions, with high humidity and good air circulation. We grow it under intermediate to warm conditions, at around 16–26 °C.