The Princess of Wales Conservatory

Orchids

Two distinct zones provide the growing conditions that different types of orchids require. A hot, steamy zone features tropical epiphytic or air-rooting varieties with spectacular showy flowers and specific adaptations to an aerial environment in the rainforest canopy. The climbing vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia) from Central America and the comet orchid (Angraecum sesquipedale) from Madagascar are two species of particular interest in this zone.

The cooler orchid zone suits species with their roots in the earth of tropical mountainous regions. Among them, Dracula bella shows off its dramatic flowers which really are fanged.

Continue the tour

Back up to: North Eastern Zone

Carry on to: Special displays and aquaria