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| In full bloom |
Common Name: Foxtail Orchid
Scientific Name: Rhynchostylis retusa
Assamese Name: Kopou Phul
Assamese Name: Kopou Phul
Orchids are the pride of my father’s (Deta) garden. Basically orchids are of two types, the epiphytic orchids and the terrestrial or ground orchids. Epiphytic orchids are commonly grown in pieces of bricks, charcoal, Styrofoam pellets, fern roots; whereas the terrestrial variety grow and flower on the ground. To me, orchids of both types are most elegant of flowers.
Foxtail orchid is an epiphytic orchid. The flower looks like a fox’s tail and hence the name. It is the State Flower of Assam. It is synonymous with Rongali/Bohag Bihu, the Assamese new year celebrated mid-April. Foxtail orchids have been a consistent feature of our home garden over the years. Here are a few photographs of our garden’s pride.
Natasha'z Points To Ponder 
Those are beautiful – I really like the patterning on the purple one 🙂 My only experience with orchids is one that I received as a gift a few years ago and have never been able to get bloom again. It's still an interesting looking plant, but I'd love to know the secrets of those who can get them to bloom again and again.Tracy (Black Boots, Long Legs)
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Tracy, for the secret you will have to contact my father!! Thanks for visiting 🙂
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I love orchids and these ones are so pretty.
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Those are beautiful orchids. How long did it take for you to grow them to that size?
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Oh – I've never seen that type of orchid before, they are gorgeous! ~Liz http://www.lizbrownleepoet.com
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Beautiful! I'm not familiar with that type of orchid. I've always heard orchids are hard to grow. I'm using a shower gel now that has some kind of orchid essence in it and it smells heavenly!Michele at Angels Bark
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Those are beautiful! I'm not sure if I've ever seen Foxtail Orchids.
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