Orchid of the day: Prosthechea mariae, formerly known as Encyclia mariae

Prothechea mariae (formerly Encyclia mariae)

Orchid names keep changing due to the involvement of DNA analysis. One day you belong to one genus and the next you are not. Well that is the case with one of my favourite orchid, Encyclia mariae. It is now called Prosthechea mariae. Whether this will hold true forever, remains to be seen. Until the next DNA analysis or common sense...

This is a beautiful orchid from Mexico, by the way, LOVE Mexico. We noticed three inflorescences this year compared to two last year. It was quite exciting to see how many flowers we will get this year.

A) May 9th. Three very small inflorescences creeping out of the leaves.

B) It was still hard to see at this time.

C) By May 19th, the flower stalks or inflorescences were clearly elongating out. Left, right and to the top.

D) A different angle of the three flower stalks.

Here is a piece that Arne put together for the post today. Hopefully it will provide those interested with a little more background on the current evolution of the new name.

"I got to know the wonderful orchid Prosthechea mariae as Epidendrum mariae.  Then it was transferred from genera to genera and became Encyclia mariae, Hormidium mariae, Euchile mariae and finally Prostechea mariae.  It didn’t happen in that order necessarily but I know for sure it was transferred back and forth between some of these genera. Epidendrum once encompassed a huge number of species from Mexico and northern South America.  It was obvious that some distinction should be made between certain groups within Epidendrum so the division began into mainly Prosthechea and Encyclia.

Until today there are two orchids that form their own group and that are Prosthechea (Encyclia) mariae and Prosthechea (Encyclia) citrina.  Believe me when I say that they both belong elsewhere and will probably make up their own genus including these two species only. With respect to the culture, P. mariae wants to be mounted with daily watering from about May to October.  The temperatures in summer should ideally be around 75 - 80 °F (24 – 27 °C) or even somewhat cooler during the day and around 60 – 71 °F  (15 – 22 °C) during night.  After that it needs a dry rest during winter with almost no water and temperatures around 55 – 69 °F (13 – 21 °C) until the middle of March.  P. mariae always wants bright light without heating of the leaves". ~Arne~

E) By June 22nd, we have eleven flowers this year compared to eight in 2014. A beautiful specimen and worthy of sharing.

F) A view from the top. Lovely cascading blooms with a mild pleasant scent in the mornings.

Orchid of the day: Paphiopedilum philippinense 'Khairul Bariah'

Paphiopedilum philippinense 'Khairul Bariah'

Just an update on our awarded orchid, Paphiopedilum philippinense 'Khairul Bariah'. For those following my blog, I first posted about this orchid on May 19th, 2014. Then I updated by announcing that we received an Award of Merit (AM) for this clone by the American Orchid Society (AOS) on June 7th, 2014 (see image below). 

Paphiopedilum philippinense 'Khairul Bariah' AM/AOS June 7th, 2014.

I am happy to say that this Asian slipper orchid is still doing very well. We have the privilege of having six flowers again this year. In fact the flower stem is longer this year by 6 cm or 2.4 inches. Since it has grown so tall, this beauty is occupying my window in our second floor study. It could not fit in our orchidarium in the basement.

A) April 15, the flowers are coming!

B) April 26. What a difference 10 days make!

C) April 26. At this time, it was hard to tell how flowers we will get this year.

As we chronicled the growth of this orchid, we were wondering if we could get six or more flowers this year. It was quite exciting to wait and see.

D) By May 9th, we saw at least five flower buds developing from the single flower stem.

E) A close up of the top end of the flowers stem (D). Three flowers were 'rolling' out on May 9th.

F) May 18, five flowers were fully opened. The last one at the very top is really taking its time to bloom. We were afraid it might not make it!

G) All six flowers in bloom on June 13th.

By June 10th, it was confirmed that the very last bud opened up and made the grand total of six flowers. We would love to have two influorescences or flower stems next time. If this were to happen, we may take this orchid for judging again! Who knows!

H) June 13, our obedient model, Anthony with our orchid on the back deck.

I) June 13, profile of the four flowers.

Orchid of the day: Phalaenopsis parishii

Phalaenopsis parishii

This orchid originates from the eastern Himalayas to Indochina. A hot to warm growing miniature orchid and each flower is less than 2 cm across or 3/4 inches. This orchid is commonly known as Parish's Phalaenopsis, named after an English orchid collector in Burma in the 1800s.

A) May 9th, 2015. We noticed four flower stems developing.

We noticed that one of the roots decided to adhere to the yellow plastic label (A). We tried to detach it but it was a 'no go'. I guess that is why orchids are epiphytic. This orchid loves warm condition and partial shade. We keep this in our basement under lights.

B) May 9th, 2015. A view from the top.

C) By May 19, flower buds were growing on each stems.

D) June 7th, 2015. Here's Anthony providing perspective on how small this Phalaenopsis parishii really is. 

E) By June 7th, we had twenty four flowers. 

Clearly this orchid is doing very well since we got it in 2012. It is the third time it flowered in our hands and this year we successfully have twenty four flowers in contrast to nine last year.

F) Our Anthony posing with Phalaenopsis parishii on June 7th, 2015.

What a charming little orchid! Until next post, do enjoy.

Orchid of the day: Vanda Cherry Blossom 'Carmela'

Vanda Cherry Blossom 'Carmela'

Ascofinetia Cherry Blossom 'Carmela', a cross between  Neofinetia falcata x Ascocentrum ampullaceum, is a compact vandaceous type orchid that can be easily grown in bark or moss in pots or basket (see post dated May 26th, 2014). In this case, we kept it growing in this wooden basket and it seemed to do very well. 

However, this is no longer the current name of this orchid.  Since both Neofinetia and Ascocentrum have been transferred to the genus Vanda after DNA analysis. In short our orchid is now called Vanda Cherry Blossom 'Carmela'.

A) April 12th. We saw flower stems/stalks developing in the center of the orchid.

B) April 26th, the two flower stems/stalks showing the development of flower buds.

C) A closer view of the flowers buds.

D) By May 9th, some of the flowers were opening fully while some buds were still developing.

E) Another angle of the less developed flowers.

F) May 19th, almost all of the flowers were opened.

G) Almost double the number of flowers from 2014 .

H) View from the top. Many, many tiny Vandas in bloom

In comparison to 2014, which we had 50 flowers, this year we have around 95 to 100 flowers. Although some of the flowers have wilted today, those that remained are still beautiful. We have placed this orchid outside today, to enjoy the warmth of the Baltimore's summer weather on our back deck. May it enjoy the sun and flower even more next year.