Orchid of the day: Encyclia tampensis

Encyclia tampensis

We were visiting the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, Florida, and, lo and behold, we saw a native orchid, Encyclia tampensis, growing in situ on the trees around the entrance of the visitor center. It was amazing to see the orchid blooming in the dry and hot weather.

A) As close as I can get to the orchid.

Most orchids native to the US are terrestrial.  Some epiphytic species do exist but they are all found in Florida as they do not tolerate frost. Encyclia tampensis is an epiphytic orchid native to Florida.  It grows at sea level and wants warm conditions year round.  It is also frequently found in orchid collections.

B) Perched on a tree with some bromeliads

C) From a different angle.

D) Fascinating to see an orchid in its natural environment.

I hope you enjoyed reading my 'extra' post. It was pure luck to find this Encyclia tampensis growing in situ in a wildlife refuge. I thought I should share it with you all. By the way, we saw a 'baby' gator too!

Orchid of the day: Vanda barnesii

Vanda barnesii

Vanda barnesii is a “new” species and was identified as late as 2012 by Carson Barnes, hence its name barnesii.  Actually, Arne obtained this seedling directly from Carson Barnes in 2015.

V. barnesii is a cool growing Vanda from higher elevations in the Philippines.  It is smaller in size than most Vandas and has long lasting 7 - 8 cm (3 inch) flowers that are white with thin brown lines.  This year our plant is blooming for the first time with four flowers.

A) Two opened flowers and two buds on April 20th.

B) By May 1st, all flowers were opened.

C) Our Vanda barnesii enjoying the Baltimore sun.

D) A close up of the flowers and buds on April 20th.

E) Fully opened flowers on May 1st.

F) Zooming into the blooms for more details.

Today, the flowers are still blooming since these flowers are known to be long lasting. I enjoyed putting this post together today while I'm away on vacation on Sanibel Island. Sharing a photo of the beach with everyone here.

Until my next post, have a great week!

Orchid of the day: Rhyncholaelia digbyana

Rhyncholaelia digbyana

Rhyncholaelia digbyana was once known as Brassavola digbyana. It is well known to be the grandparents of large fringed-lip Cattleyas. It produces very large flowers, about 5 to 7 inches in size but only a single flower per pseudobulb. It is an easy grower although it takes it time. In order for this orchid to bloom, it needs very strong light. Arne says that this orchid is in short, a very reluctant bloomer.

A) March 24th, out in the backyard.

This orchid is a native of the Mesoamericas. Specifically,  Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica. In fact it is the national flower of Honduras since 1969.

B) First time flowering after 5 year.

C) A close up of the single 'reluctant' bloom.

D) A beautiful greenish-white bloom.

I find this orchid very interesting. I look forward to the next time when it honors us with another magnificent flower.

Orchid of the day: Vanda Cherry Blossom 'Carmela' (CCM and AM/AOS)

Vanda Cherry Blossom 'Carmela' (CCM & AM/AOS)

I first posted about this orchid under the name Ascofinetia Cherry Blossom 'Carmela' on May 26, 2014. Since then the official name has changed to Vanda Cherry Blossom 'Carmela'. Over the years, this orchid has grown and produced many beautiful flowers. I am happy to say that today, Arne took our orchid for judging at the American Orchid Society (AOS) in Washington, DC, and this clone received both the Award of Merit (AM) and the Certificate of Cultural Merit (CCM).

This floriferous orchid is a cross between  Neofinetia falcata x Ascocentrum ampullaceum, and is a compact vandaceous type orchid that can be easily grown in bark or moss in pots or basket. Arne has clearly succeeded growing it in a wooden airy basket. 

   

A) Award of Merit and  Certificate of Cultural Merit

Both these awards are very prestigious but Arne is most proud to receive the CCM because this award is for a well-flowered specimen plant of robust health and it is to him as a grower. This recognizes the amount of hours he spent caring for this orchid over the years. I can certainly vouch for that!

B) This is a close up of the almost 333 star-shaped flowers. Some are still buds.

C) I took this photo with Arne holding the orchid on April 21. It always amazes me whenever I see the incredible orchid roots sprawling out into the surrounding space and wrapping around the wooden basket. 

D) Nine inflorescences but more buds than opened flowers on April 21.

E) Another close up of the flowers on April 21. Impressive already then.

F) Our awarded orchid today. 

G) How this orchid has grown. Here's a photo with Anthony in my 2014 post. 

H) Another contrast in size and the number of flowers from 2014.

Well, I certainly enjoyed putting this post together, after all ,the last time one of our orchids got an award was for Paphiopedilum delenatii 'Karin Schon' AM/AOS, on March 12, 2016. We hope to have more awards from the AOS in the future. We'll keep you posted!

Until my next post, have a great week everyone.