Stenosarcos Vanguard ‘Fireball’ JC/AOS (Sarcoglottis speciosus x Stenorrynchos speciosum)  A rosette of 8-10 leaves with silver-green varigated foliage is very attractive even when not in bloom.  Starting around December they begin to spike.  Spikes appear from the center of the rosette and soon a red "poker" appears.  As the spike elongates to 12-18 inches the flowers begin to appear.  25-30 flowers start to open along the top of the spike and stay fresh for 4-6 weeks often through Valentines day.

Mature plants growing in 5 inch plastic pots are in spike now! (Jan 1, 2007) Pictured at left is Plexis species.