Christmas Cymbidium

Finally, here is a photo of my $5 rescue cymbidium hybrid that is blooming for the first time. There are two full spikes in bloom, a third spike with only 6 flowers, and a fourth and fifth spike that should open in a couple of weeks. Not bad for $5!

Too many orchids?

Susan Taylor, the Editor of BellaOnline's Orchids Site, has just written an article entitled "How many is too many orchids?"

This information comes at the perfect time for those of us making New Year's resolutions!

(* But if, as Susan says, the magic number is 100, I have some more collecting to do!!)

Laelia autumnalis

As the name implies, Laelia autumnalis blooms in the fall... well it's pretty much winter now but pretty close : ) It is a species native to Mexico requiring a definate rest period after flowering when I give it no water for a couple months till the psuedobulbs start to shrivel. This matches the dry period in it's natural environment which I was lucky enough to visit back in January of this year. I have enclosed a picture of Laelia autumnalis growing in the wild in the middle of the dry season and let me tell you.... it was dry! I was there for three weeks and not a drop of water was had so I am now not afraid to match this type of drought for the plant.

Dendrobium monoliforme in bloom

My Dendrobium monoliforme came into bloom about three weeks ago. There are two flowers, and the first of the flowers has just started to wilt. The plant experienced a lot of growth over the summer months, even despite its encounter with the mouse! The plant has recovered well and is thriving. I took a few pictures when the first flower was opening and once it had finished opening.