Odontoglossum Rawdon Jester ‘Great Bee’ is a striking hybrid within the Odontoglossum alliance and is known for its contrasting flower pattern and elegant flower form. This cultivar immediately stands out for its warm shades of yellow and brown that combine to form a pattern reminiscent of the markings of a bee, which explains the name ‘Great Bee’. Within collections of cool-growing orchids, this hybrid is prized for its expressive flowers and relatively rich blooms.
Odontoglossum Rawdon Jester is a horticultural hybrid resulting from crosses within the Odontoglossum group, an orchid complex closely related to Oncidium and Miltonia, among others.
The original species from which these hybrids are descended are mainly from the mountainous regions of Central and South America. In these regions, they grow at high altitudes in cloud forests where the climate is relatively cool and humid.
Through targeted crossings, hybrids such as Rawdon Jester have been developed to combine the characteristic flower shape of Odontoglossum with strong vigor and striking flower colors.
Odontoglossum Rawdon Jester ‘Great Bee’ forms pseudobulbs with narrow, oblong leaves growing from the base of the plant. Slender flower stalks develop from mature pseudobulbs on which several flowers may appear simultaneously.
The flowers have a broad shape with striking patterns in yellow, brown and sometimes reddish hues. The contrasting markings on the petals and lip are reminiscent of the colors of a bee, giving this cultivar its name.
The flowers often have a fairly open shape with gracefully wavy edges. When several flowers open simultaneously, a highly decorative bloom is created that rises above the foliage.
Odontoglossum hybrids grow best in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause leaf damage.
This group of orchids prefers moderate to cool conditions. Temperatures between about 14 and 22 C are usually suitable.
Use an aerated orchid substrate based on fine to medium bark. This provides adequate ventilation around the roots.
Humidity between about 60 and 80 percent promotes healthy growth.
Allow the substrate to dry out slightly before re-watering, but avoid prolonged drying out of the pseudobulbs. Preferably use demineralized water or rainwater.
During the growing period, a slightly diluted orchid food can be given regularly.
Flowering stems with several flowers develop from mature pseudobulbs. Under good conditions, the plant can flower annually and give a striking floral presentation.
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