Specimen Plants

Specimen plants are so named because they are worthy of special recognition or a place of honor in order to be better seen.  The word “specimen” comes from the Latin root “spec-” which means “see” or “look.”  “Spec-” gives us other common words like “spectacles” (the better to see you with, my dear) and “spectacular” (looking great, which describes a lot of orchids, in my opinion).  While many of us choose to buy smaller plants in order to have a greater variety, larger plants do provide some benefits.

• First, big plants have more leaves and roots which allow the plant to grow faster than single or double growths.  Think of it as strength in numbers.
• Second, more growths offer more opportunities for flower spikes.  Large plants can put on longer lasting displays when spikes mature at different times, thereby extending your blooming season.
• Third is the most obvious:  a bigger plant offers more visual input–the shape, size, color, texture, or whatever attracted you to that variety will be bigger and better in a specimen plant.

I pulled out some nice Neos this afternoon that can stand alone and still not break the bank.  So pick up your specs and check out these spectacular specimens!