Orchid of the day: Coelogyne nitida

Coelogyne nitida

It is unbelievable but it is almost to the day that I posted about our Coelogyne nitida last year. Orchids tended well and with dedication continue to repay us by blossoming annually. My last post about our Coelogyne nitida was on March 22, 2015. 

A) Seven flowers in bloom.

Our Himalayan native was divided in late 2014 and today, this one is doing well by producing seven flowers this year. I really love the beautiful vivid yellow-orange dots on the upper lip of each flower. In fact, I missed out on chronicling the development of the flower stems at this.  

B) A view from the back.

C) A healthy orchid with a promise of more flowers next year.

This orchid flowers in Spring and true to its nature, these beautiful fragrant flowers emerges each Spring in March. Something we will look forward to next year.

D) A close up, once more to end this post.

I hope you have enjoyed my post today. Personally, I hope this orchid will flourish even more and perhaps be brought for judging. I believe this orchid has potential in the near future. Have a good week!

Orchid of the day: Paphiopedilum delenatii 'Karin Schon' AM/AOS

Paphiopedilum delenatii 'Karin Schon' awarded AM/AOS

This beautiful orchid originates from the southeastern region of Vietnam (click here for my earlier posts dated May 5th, 2014 and April 19th, 2015). Paphiopedilum delenatii is warm loving and grows well in calcium rich substrates. Arne adds crushed egg shells in the pot and over the years, this particular clone has been producing beautiful flowers.

A) Our awarded orchid with the judging certification

It is with great pride that we announce that our Paphiopedilum delenatii has been recognized by the American Orchid Society (AOS) with the Award of Merit (AM) on March 10th, 2016. In honor of his mother, Arne named this clone, Paphiopedilum delenatii 'Karin Schon'.

B) February 21st, 2016

Arne took this specimen to the Maryland Orchid Society, Orchid Show & Sale, at the Maryland State Fairground in Timonium, Maryland. The award of merit recognized the high quality of the flowers as well as the vigorously growing flower stems. I am not surprised that this orchid was awarded because it has two flower stems and four flowers in total. Although at the time of the judgement, only three flowers were in bloom, each flower is so beautifully shaped. 

C) Our orchid as it sits in our little orchidarium in the basement

D) Developing flower buds in mid February.

E) A frontal view of the four buds.

F) Two of the flowers were opening on February 28th.

G) A closer view the newly opened flowers.

H) The entire plant today, March 12th, 2016.

I) The fourth flower (to the far left) is finally opening.

J) The orchid is also beautiful from the back. The beautiful waxing leaves with spotted patterns is also very interesting.

K) Patterns of purple-pinkish stripes clearly visible.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at our prize orchid today. We are very happy and honored by this recognition. I guest it is worth the hours of care and devotion! Until next post, take care!

Orchid of the day: Stelis quadrifida

Stelis quadrifida

Our mystery orchid has a name now, Stelis quadrifida. In my post on March 16th, 2015, I shared how this orchid 'hitch hike' onto the same tree fern of our Dendrobium jenkensii. Since it grew so beautifully, we have decided to separate the two orchids and now our Stelis quadrifida is growing well on its own.

A) A photo from my post last year, trying to figure out what this orchid was.

B) March 5th, close up of the tiny flowers of Stelis quadrifida.

This year we have 18 flower stems and on each stem, there are 20 flowers, a total of 360 flowers. Unfortunately the flowers do not bloom all at once and as each bloom it withers away rather quickly.

C) The entire orchid has grown very well on its own piece of tree fern. No longer a hitch hiker.

D) A view of the tree fern, holding the orchid in place.

E) A clear mix of the older tree fern piece and the new piece connected with metal wires and fishing line. Eventually, the roots will grow and wrap around the entire base.

F) Last year when our Stelis quadrifida (top) shared the tree fern with our Dendrobium jenkensii (bottom).

G) Up close photo of the flowers. Miniature orchids, and very delicate. The flowers are small, about 1/4 of an inch across from my March 16th post.