Orchid of the day: Leptotes pohlitinocoi

Leptotes pohlitinocoi

Leptotes pohlitinocoi is a Brazilian orchid that was discovered as late as 2004. Its name pohlitinocoi is the quite difficult-to-remember result of the combination of two Brazilian orchid enthusiasts, Pohli and Tinoco.  Arne's success with Leptotes bicolor made him look for other Leptotes species that he could grow up to specimen size.

Still, pohlitinocoi has somewhat smaller flowers and each growth will only produce one or two flowers in contrast to our Leptotes bicolor 'Khairul Bariah', which produces up to five-flowered stems.  Nevertheless, the flowers of pohlitinocoi, are more colorful and Arne believes that with excellent culture and care, this Leptotes pohlitinocoi, which he purchased in June 2015, will make this plant grand in some years. In fact, Arne bought this plant as a seedling and it has taken its time to grow and finally produced this three flowers.

Its culture is similar to that of bicolor, i.e. it needs to be mounted and given a bright place protected from direct sunlight.  Its natural habitat is quite dry subtropical to tropical jungle and it should therefore be watered only when it has dried out properly.

A) March 25. Three flower buds developing.

B) By April 3rd, the flowers had opened up showing the purple and white hues.

C) The three flowers upclose.

D) By April 17th, all flowers had opened.

E) A zoom of all three flowers.

Sadly, today we don't have the flowers anymore. They have all wilted but hopefully with care and patience, we will have more to share next year! Have a great Sunday and a good work week!

Orchid of the day: Aerangis fastuosa

Aerangis fastuosa

This year, our Aerangis fastuosa, or also known as The Magnificient Aerangis, produced seven flowers in total. In contrast, we had five last year. This native of Madagascar is a dwarf orchid or miniature orchid when describing the size and height of the overall plant. However, the size of the flowers and the leaves do not reflect that status. This is easily seen with the photographs in this post today. 

A) March 27th. Six visible flower buds appeared. The seventh is underneath the leaves towards the back.

The flowers are about 2 inches or 5 cm in size and exude a pleasant fragrant throughout the day especially in the afternoon and at night.

B) A closer look of the flower buds.

C) By April 3rd, at least four flowers were opening up. All exhibiting the crisp white color.

D) The seventh flower is still hidden from this view.

E) Today, April 17th, all seven flowers are opened.

F) Once again, 'The Magnificient Aerangis' is in full bloom at almost the same time as last year, (see last year's post, on April 15, 2015.)

G) All seven flowers in full bloom today, April 17th, 2016.

It never fails to surprise me that each time I post an update of one of our orchids, it seems to fall at about if not the same time of the year. We joined an Orchid forum group and one of the senior member, Cattan, had found a lovely quote about orchids. I think this describe them very well.

"Orchids are very eloquent. They tell their master by their appearance, how they are treated", H. G. Reichenbach.

Orchid of the day: Leptotes bicolor 'Khairul Bariah' CCM/AOS

Leptotes bicolor 'Khairul Bariah' CCM/AOS

This Brazilian native was purchased by Arne when he first came to the United States in 2000. The first post about this orchid was in March 2014. This is our oldest orchid and we are happy to say, this specimen was awarded the Certificate of Culture Merit (CCM) by the American Orchid Society(AOS) last year on April the 4th, 2015.

A) Flower buds developed by March 2nd.

After 15 years on the same tree bark, we increased the growing surface by adding another piece of tree bark so the roots can spread further. See below. It was quite a delicate process because we had to ensure that the roots were not harmed.

C) The two pieces of barks were attached by metals prongs to create a larger surface for this orchid to grow.

D) A frontal view of the whole orchid.

E) By March 25th, many of the flowers had opened.

F) More blooms opened by March 27th.

G) A view from the left.

H) Right profile.

I) All opened by April 2nd.

J) The abundance of flowers is very impressive.

K) We have at least 75 flowers as of today, April 3rd.

Today, our 16 year old Leptotes bicolor 'Khairul Bariah' CCM/AOS, produced at least 75 flowers. We have kept this orchid in our basement to ensure the flowers will last longer as the cooler temperature will prevent early wilting. Last year when this orchid was awarded, there were 56 flowers. Hopefully we will be able to keep this beauty as long as possible and keep her happy!