Three Orchids That Look Like Monkey

Did you know that in the misty cloud forests of South America there are orchids that bear an uncanny resemblance to monkey faces? These orchids have captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with their striking and whimsical appearance. 

They are named after monkeys due to the unique structure of their petals and lips forming patterns eerily similar to a monkey’s face, complete with a nose, eyes, and mouth and giving unusual appearance.

Summary:

• Dracula simia, Dracula gigas, and Dracula amaliae are orchids with flowers that resemble monkey faces.
• These orchids thrive in the cool, humid cloud forests of the Andes with dappled light and constant moisture.
• They play a vital ecological role by attracting bat pollinators with their nocturnal scents and unique flower shapes.
• Growing these orchids is challenging but with the right care they can still be cultivated successfully.
• Conservation efforts are critical as these orchids are vulnerable due to habitat destruction.

 

Three Orchids That Look Like Monkey

Dracula simia (Monkey Orchid)

Dracula simia or little dragon monkey owns sepals, petals, and lips of the flower create a striking pattern that looks like a monkey’s eyes, nose, and mouth.

This flower emits a unique fragrance reminiscent of ripe oranges. In the realm of ornamental gardening, the monkey orchid is a sought-after specimen among orchid enthusiasts. Its market value is quite high due to its rarity, sometimes this plant can cost up to $200.

 

Dracula gigas (Giant Monkey Orchid)

Giant Monkey Orchid has larger and more robust flowers compared to its relative, Dracula simia. The flowers of Dracula gigas can reach impressive lengths of up to 15 centimeters with broad, elongated sepals that create a star-like pattern. 

Dracula gigas boasts a more defined “face,”. Interestingly, Dracula gigas does not emit a strong fragrance like Dracula simia. Instead, it often has a faint, earthy aroma that blends seamlessly with its natural, forested environment. 

In the world of ornamental gardening, Dracula gigas is highly coveted for its unique beauty and size. Its prices range from $150 to $300 per plant depending on its size and condition. 

 

Dracula amaliae (Amalia’s Dracula Orchid)

Dracula amaliae are smaller than the above types reaching around 8-10 centimeters in length. They feature delicate, elongated sepals that taper off into fringed edges creating a star-like shape. This plant owns a mix of deep purples and reds, speckled with lighter hues.

Dracula amaliae is known for its subtle, musty aroma, reminiscent of its damp, forested habitat. With rare and exotic beauty, this flower is invaluable to collectors and costs up to $250 per plant.

 

Habitat and Distribution

Natural Habitats

Dracula orchids High thrive in a magical, fog-shrouded environment in the Andes’ cloud forests. These forests provide cool, humid conditions with temperatures between 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) and humidity levels above 80%. 

The dense canopy filters sunlight creating a shaded understory where these epiphytic orchids flourish on moss-covered trees. Besides, they can get constant moisture from fog and rain without  thanks to the well-drained environment.

 

Geographical Distribution

Dracula simia is primarily located in the eastern Andes of Ecuador and Peru with cool temperatures. Dracula gigas prefers the higher elevations of the western Andes in Ecuador and Colombia. Meanwhile, Dracula amaliae is found in both Ecuador and Colombia but tends to occupy slightly different niches within these regions.

 

Ecological Role

With their striking monkey-like appearance, Dracula orchids can attract pollinators, primarily bats. Scientific studies have shown that these orchids produce nocturnal scents that attract bats during their nighttime foraging. 

Additionally, the unique shapes and dark colors of the flowers provide visual cues that guide bats to the nectar. This symbiotic relationship ensures the survival and propagation of these orchids while also supporting the bat populations.

 

Conservation Status

Currently, Dracula simia, Dracula gigas, and Dracula amaliae are vulnerable with estimates suggesting that only a few thousand individual plants survive in the wild because of habitat destruction for agriculture and urban development. 

Organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are working to preserve cloud forests through sustainable practices and protected areas. Additionally, botanical gardens and orchid societies are cultivating Dracula orchids to reduce pressure on wild populations and ensure their survival for future generations.

 

Growing Monkey Orchids

How to Grow Monkey Orchids

Monkey orchids thrive best in containers. You should choose a well-draining pot and fill it with a mix of orchid bark and sphagnum moss, then place the container in a shaded area of your garden to mimic the dappled sunlight of their cloud forest homes. 

Since orchid seeds are tiny and challenging to grow, consider purchasing a young plant from a reputable nursery. Gently place the orchid into the pot, spreading the roots over the potting mix. 

 

Care for Monkey Orchids

First, you should never let the soil dry out. These orchids need to be watered frequently, typically between 5 to 7 times a week, but always check the soil moisture to adjust as needed.

They prefer cooler temperatures, ideally between 52°F to 77°F, and thrive in environments with high humidity around 80%. Besides, you can place them in a spot where they receive indirect light in the morning and afternoon mimicking their natural habitat in the cloud forests.

Throughout the year, you can use a balanced NPK 20-20-20 fertilizer once a week to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients. However, during flowering periods, you should switch to NPK 15-15-30. 

Watch out for common issues like root rot which can occur if the soil is too wet, and pests such as spider mites and aphids. To manage these problems, good air circulation is essential to prevent fungal diseases.

 

FAQs

What orchids look like animals?

Dracula simia and Dracula gigas orchids are famously known as Monkey Orchids because their blooms bear an uncanny resemblance to monkey faces. Other examples include the Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid), which mimics the appearance of a bee, and the Phalaenopsis species, often referred to as Moth Orchids due to their moth-like flowers.

 

How often do monkey orchids bloom?

With their striking resemblance to a golden lion tamarin monkey, they can bloom at any time of the year given the right conditions. 

 

How many species of orchids are there in the genus Dracula?

The genus Dracula consists of approximately 120 species of orchids. These species are primarily found in the cloud forests of Central and South America, particularly in the Andes regions of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

 

Where I can buy a monkey orchid?

Monkey orchids can be purchased from specialized orchid nurseries and online plant retailers. Local orchid shows and exhibitions are also great places to find and buy these unique orchids.

 

Where can I see monkey orchids?

Monkey Orchids can be seen in their natural habitat in the cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru. For those unable to travel to these regions, many botanical gardens and orchid conservatories or even orchid shows around the world cultivate these unique orchids.