This orchid carries wide-spreading sprays of plum-red blooms, a deep, saturated color that reads richer than the usual pinks and whites. Individual flowers hold for weeks, so a single flowering can carry a room for a month or more.

Set it in bright, indirect light, out of hot afternoon sun. Water about once a week, letting the bark mix approach dryness first, and never leave the pot standing in water. After bloom, keep up the routine; healthy roots mean repeat spikes.