Orchid of the day: Cattleya Gaskell-Pumila

Cattleya Gaskell-Pumila

I have asked Arne to put some text together about our latest orchid featured in this post, Cattleya Gaskell-Pumila. 

"This orchid is a primary hybrid registered in 1918 by Colman.  Now, if you are familiar with the very famous and spicy Colman’s mustard you should know that this orchid hybrid and many others were made by the very same man, Sir Jerimiah Colman. Until recently Cattleya Gaskell-Pumila was considered an intergeneric hybrid between Cattleya gaskelliana and Laelia pumila and therefore called Laeliocattleya (Lc) Gaskell-Pumila.

A) Two full blooming flowers on June 18th, 2016.

Laelia pumila is now considered a Cattleya and, although many of these name changes seem unnecessary, Laelia pumila actually looks exactly like a Cattleya and the name change makes sense.  The same goes for all of the large-flowered Brazilian Laelias that are now considered Cattleyas – they look like Cattleyas and should be called Cattleyas.  Having said that, I have realized that those large-flowered Brazilian Cattleyas, previously known as Laelias, carry a difficult culture element into most primary hybrids.  They want very bright light, pronounced day -night light variations and not too warm temperatures."~ Arne.

B) The intense blue of these flowers are simply magnificent!

C) By June 24th, a third flower bud appeared.

D) The bud upclose.

Arne did take this orchid to the show table at the recent Maryland Orchid Society meet and was placed second under the Cattleya category. This was encouraging since this is not an easy orchid to cultivate. But the flowers are very rewarding.

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

Prosthechea mariae

I posted about our Prosthechea mariae on June 12th. Happy to update that Arne took this specimen to the show table at the Maryland Orchid Society meeting, June 16th. He got first place for it! Here's a picture of the orchid with its blue ribbon. Arne is happy but he hopes to bring it to the American Orchid Society meeting in July. But the fear is, the flowers may wilt by then. Wish us luck! If not, we'll try another time.

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

Prosthechea mariae

Due to recent DNA analysis, this orchid once known as Encyclia mariae, is now a Prosthechea. We mentioned this is in our post on June 28, 2015. Temperature wise, this orchid prefers cooler summer around 75 - 80 °F (24 – 27 °C) or cooler. Today in Baltimore, it is more than 90 °F , so we simply can't leave it outside. The flowers will wilt in no time!

This native Mexican orchid, do well being mounted on cork and receives daily watering. It does need a 'dry-rest' period during winter, which I believe will induce the flowering. 

A) June 8th, three flower stems with developing buds.

B) Three of the developing flowers on one of the stems.

C) June 12th, all nine flowers are in bloom.

What was impressive this time around was the spread of the three flower stems. We had to be very cautious moving this specimen around. 

D) A different view of all nine flowers.

E) The beauty up close. As Arne would say, "It looks like a delicious dessert".

I hope this beautiful orchid gave you some enjoyment and relaxation for today. Our thoughts and prayers are with Orlando, Florida. Peace and love to all. 

Orchid of the day: Phalaenopsis parishii

Phalaenopsis parishii

We posted about our Phalaenopsis parishii in June last year and it looks like this orchid is happy and is flowering at almost the same time this year. 

A) April 17. At least 4 flower stems were detected.

B) View of the 4 stems from the top.

This miniature orchid is native to regions from Eastern Himalaya to Indochina and thrive in hot to warm environment. Since this orchid prefers dry condition in nature, Arne limits watering it during winter. This may be the secret to its success in our hands. 

C) May 26. We have at least 25 flowers in bloom.

D) A close-up.

E) Just to prove that this is a miniature orchid...