It is a relatively new flower used by designers. The the orange Phragmipedium longifolium was discovered as recently as 1981 and since then, the Phragmipedium has been used to create several hybrids of amazing colours and shapes.

The dorsal sepal and petals are medium green heavily veined mahogany. The pouch is dark tan-brown to dark mahogany. With some pink to orange varieties

Lasts up to a week as a cut flower in very little water (but don't allow it to dry) On the plant the flower will drop one week after opening (even though it still looks fresh) and a new flower will appear. Flowers mostly in Autumn but in ideal conditions (and natural habitat) it can flower year round

Slight floral almost like a daffodil

Great as a focal flower. Keep in mind when designing that the stem would always be short, at best, because the flower drops from the stem (see Vase Life)

Although the flowers are slow drinkers the plants do require constant watering and more indirect sunlight than most orchids. Some of the varieties even grow in waterfalls and under water.