Flora's Orchids

Another new orchid book from Timber Press, this reference work lists 1500 orchid species [note to self: that is 300 more than my current orchid reference, Botanica's Pocket Orchids, which claims to list over 1200 species]. This book is definitely going on the wish list!

New orchid book focuses on fragrance

Timber Press has just published a book by Steven A. Frowine entitled Fragrant Orchids: A Guide to Selecting, Growing, and Enjoying (0881927392). According to an article in the Seattle Times, it is a first in terms of orchid books that focus on the flowers' fragrances.

Bulbophyllum lasiochilum flower

Here is a picture of the bulbophyllum lasiochilum flower bud that I was watching so closely earlier this month in hopes that it would open up as a flower. Alas, I didn't take any pictures of it as it turned more purple, then brown, and I had to finally come to terms with the fact that the bud was dying before the flower even opened! How disappointing. Not sure if it was too cold, or if it was because I accidentally fertilized the plant while it was in bud. Here is a picture I found on the internet of what the flower *would* have looked like:

Phalaenopsis bellina mounted on slate

This is another ebay orchid that I acquired in early October. Unfortunately it arrived with a few little insect bites out of the sides of the leaves. It's been dormant since it arrived, but last week I transplanted it onto a rock mounted with some moss. Unless I am imagining it, there are the first signs of new root growth at the very very tip of an older root - it now looks quite new and green.

New flower spikes and pseudobulbs!

I never really expect my orchids to do much growing in the winter time, especially in a area that's plagued with rain and overcast skies for most of the season. In my collection there are some that have definitly entered their dormant phase (Phalaenopsis for example), some that are slowing down (the Brassias) but also some that are keen on giving me a New Years surprise.




This is new growth on my little Neofinetia falcata. The first photo shows 2 different growths (can you see them?) in the leaf axils. The second photo is of new growth that has been growing very slowly since August or September. Does anyone have Neofinetia advice for me? I read that the plant braches from the base and flower spikes emerge from the leaf axils, but would I get multiple inflorescences growing at one time?




I received Psychopsis papilio as a wedding present from Naomi in October. Since then it has either been in bloom or with a new bud emerging, which is what it does in the wild. I guess that means its happy and adapted to my bathroom window sill quite well! I also recently saw what looks like 2 new pseudobulbs forming, unless one is another inflorescence!







This is an emerging flower spike I had originally assumed was new growth. The plant is a "grocery store" Cymbidium hybrid I bought for a good price last spring because it had a dying flower spike on it. I can't wait to see the blooms in their full splendor!


Which orchids are blooming/going to bloom in your home right now?

What is OrchidWiz Encyclopedia 1.0?

An article from December 8th reports that Fans of Orchids Embrace New Orchid Database Software: "Around the world, orchid aficionados are greeting the new software OrchidWiz Encyclopedia 1.0 with overwhelming enthusiasm."

You can read about what the OrchidWiz Encyclopedia software does on the OrchidWiz web site. Briefly, "OrchidWiz Encyclopedia contains more than 30 different analysis windows, providing the most complete and accurate information on orchid species and hybrids ever assembled." The CD-ROM product contains information on
--More than 125,000 hybrids.
--Over 9,400 species.
--Photographic references for almost 7,000 species.
--Geographical distributions of 8,800 species.
--Cultivation recommendations for over 99% of all hybrids, based on species composition.
And much more!

The company that developed OrchidWiz Encyclopedia is also in the process of developing "OrchidWiz Journal, an orchid journal with photo-capture and album-creation capabilities."

Little potted orchid keiki

2005 December Orchids 003
Originally uploaded by meadow moon.

Well, I took the plunge and planted the little pleurothallis keiki this evening. It took me forever to track down a tiny 2 inch pot, but a lovely lady at a local garden shop was kind enough to give me the small pot she had lying around her shop. Thanks for the recommendation to check out Better Gnomes and Gardens, Jenn! In potting this plant I attempted to replicate the mix of the parent plant, which include charcoal, lava rock and perlite.