Admire The Extraordinary Beauty Of The Cradle Of Venus-One Of The Rarest Orchids

Carolyn Mullet

If you are a flower person, you couldn’t help but fall for the stunning beauty of the Anguloa uniflora, one of the rarest orchids in the world.
This plant is also given the title “the cradle of Venus” because of its look. Though it takes much time and effort to care for it, the result is undoubtedly worthwhile.

Cradle Of VenusSource: stock.adobe.com


Key features

These plants may look simple, but their grace and stunning beauty will likely catch everyone’s attention. The Anguloa is a genus of flowers in the humid forests of the South American mountains. Though the family Orchidaceae is prevalent, this particular species is only native to this region.

Cradle Of VenusSource: stock.adobe.com

They include myriads of variations with distinctive looks and charms. Some uniflora orchids can reach up to 20 centimeters. Some areas call this plant by the name “tulip orchid” as the blossom looks similar to a tulip. Generally, this orchid has a lifespan of 3-10 years.

Irrigation of Anguloa uniflora 

It’s nearly impossible to find these blossoms in a one-stop shop due to its complex requirements. Anguloa thrives in a moist environment, so the habitat is crucial if you want to plant it. 

Cradle Of VenusSource: fineartamerica.com

You need to keep the soil wet all the time to ensure the orchid can grow quickly. In the winter months, more care is required to prevent the roots from losing water. The air also should be kept moist so that the plant can flourish. Additionally, more water is necessary after the pseudobulb starts to form anew.

Necessary care

This species challenges many people with its stringent dietary requirement. Therefore, many give up on it after a short time trying to meet its demands. Maybe it’s the reason why this beautiful species is so rare.
While Anguloa uniflora is called cream eaters because of the enormous caloric requirement, giving it too much food may do more harm than good. You should stop feeding it when its leaves turn brown from overexposure to the sun. The orchid needs more fertilizer in spring and summer, while eight weeks or less of fertilizer are enough in fall and winter.

Source: garden.org

The suitable temperature will depend on the altitudes where the plants were taken from. Those from greater heights can survive in the condition of 13-17 degrees, while those from lower altitudes can only thrive in a range of 24-27 degrees.
As the natural habitat of these plants is jungles, they are accustomed to being under the shadow. Therefore, you should put them in the shade if you keep them inside your house. 

Orchid planting medium

Loamy soil, which retains water without becoming soggy, is the best choice if you want to replant Anguloa uniflora. The container should have a humidity reservoir and sufficient drainage and air circulation to prevent water accumulation. Improper containers may create a chance for fungus and mold to develop and ruin the plant.

Cradle Of VenusSource: aos.org

Have you ever seen this stunning blossom before? What do you think about it? Let's share your view with us in the comment section below!