There are many orchids grown for their leaves. In some cases, such as Ludisia discolor the flowers are nice, just not the showiest part of the plant. When someone says that Sarcoglottis sceptrodes is grown for its leaves… they mean it.
Sarcoglottis sceptrodes in flower.
Sarcoglottis sceptrodes closeup.
Sarcoglottis sceptrodes closeup, from another angle.
The plant is 23″ from the top of the pot to the tip of the spike. I’m not sure I’d use ugly to describe the flowers. Certainly not beautiful, but interesting for sure. They have become slightly more yellow with time but nothing significant.
All Andrew's Plants 