Name: Holcoglossum kimballianum (Rchb.f.) Garay

Synonyms: Vanda kimballiana Rchb.f.

Etymology: Holcoglossum combines Greek terms for “furrow” and “tongue” and refers to the lip; kimballianum honors American orchid enthusiast William S. Kimball.

Origin/Distribution: Southern China and parts of mainland Southeast Asia.

Habitat: A monopodial epiphyte or lithophyte of airy mountain forests. Grow in very bright light, with high humidity and good air circulation. Water the roots regularly and allow them to dry quickly afterward. Intermediate temperatures of about 15–26 °C are favorable.

Description and notes: Holcoglossum kimballianum has slender, nearly cylindrical leaves and produces inflorescences bearing several large white flowers. The lip is conspicuously marked in magenta to purple. Mounting the plant or growing it in a very airy basket is particularly well suited to its root type.