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| Grammatophyllum speciosum flowering at RBG, Kew (photo by Christopher Ryan) |
Visitors will be able to go behind the scenes of the Tropical Nursery to view this giant orchid, which has been lovingly cared for by horticulturists at Kew Gardens, ensuring it has enough space, warmth and humidity to grow and produce its stunning yellow blooms with delicate chestnut markings. Currently standing 1.5 metres high, the flower spike is growing around 1.5cm a day, with the spike expected to hit an astonishing three metres.
The ‘queen of orchids’ is grown in Kew’s behind-the-scenes Tropical Nursery and visitors will be able to go behind the scenes to view this giant orchid.
Free tours to see the orchid while it's in flower will be available on Wednesdays at 1pm and 2pm, starting at White Peaks café. Though tours are free-of-charge, there is limited space available and pre-booking is essential. To book your place, contact info@kew.org
Further information for visiting can be found at
http://www.kew.org/discover/news/largest-orchid-world-flowers-kew
and information on the plant at
http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/grammatophyllum-speciosum-queen-orchids
