Orchid flowers come in various shapes, forms and smell. Some can be the weirdest thing on earth while some are just plainly amazing. While scouring the net, I found this picture of Arpophyllum spicatum which caught my eye.

With Easter right around the corner, I thought we should examine sugar-free alternatives for our Easter baskets. These orchids look pretty enough to eat, just like candy. So let’s get to know to know this species of orchid.

The genus Arpophyllum or Arpos, as most orchid growers know them, only consists of 4 species. They are a favorite of orchid growers for their pretty flowers. They received this name because of their sickle-shaped leaves.

Aside from the Arpophyllum spicatum, we have the Arpophyllum jamaicense, Arpophyllum laxiflorum and Arpophyllum giganteum. All of them having similar flowers. The flowers’ shades vary from pink to purple to red. All of them looking like candies on a long stick.

This genus of orchid can be naturally found in Jamaica and throughout Central America, in places such as Columbia, Mexico and Venezuela. They grow on rocks and are considered epiphytes.

These plants are best grown in cool to warm temperatures. They thrive in medium light, preferably under partial shade. They like a mixture of fine bark and perlite for their potting medium.

Keep them moist. Water them when the potting medium starts to dry. Like any orchids they need cooler temperatures at night to help them bloom the candy-like flowers they are ever-so-popular for.

If you are looking for flowers that are sure to be pretty, these orchids not one to disappoint. When they bloom the clusters of flowers will surely amaze anyone. If you think they are pretty in pictures and images, wait until you see them in person.

If you or a loved one need to stay away from the sugar this year, try these candy-like treats instead!

Do you have any Arpos in your collection? What do you think of them? Share us your thoughts and leave us a comment.

If you enjoy orchids on the smaller side, check out the world’s smallest orchids.