Let us be honest, Pholidota chinensis (pictured below) is never going to bring the grand pavilion at the Chelsea flower show to a standstill! This modest little orchid belongs to a genus allied to the Coelogynes and comes from China (as inferred by its species name) and is quite common in collections. It is a tough, vigorous, cool-grower that in time will form a clump of pseudobulbs with lush leaves from which will emerge wonderfully scented multiple drooping flower-spikes in spring. This is a highly recommended beginner’s plant. I have had the plant shown for 3 years without any cultivation issues.

• This topic was modified 5 months ago by David Morse.