Orchid of the day: Aerangis luteoalba var. rhodosticta

Aerangis luteoalba var. rhodosticta

This orchid came to us in 2014. Aerangis luteoalba var. rhodosticta is a charming species from the central part of Africa.  Although very floriferous, it is not an easy plant to grow or even keep alive.  It seems to be very susceptible to fungal rot, still it wants a lot of water.  Due to this, Arne treats this orchid with a systemic fungicide at least twice a year, whether it seems to need it or not.  This is the fourth time it is blooming since 2014.  This time it has six spikes carrying a total of 48 flowers.

I posted about our orchid a few times before (February 1st, 2015; October 25th, 2015; September 24, 2016). I suggest you review these posts to compare how well this specimen has thrived over these few short years.

A) This is the only orchid from Central Africa that has yellowish white flowers (luteo-alba) with a bright orange-red column (rhodosticta).

B) An individual flower.

C) In early August, six flower spikes were developing.

D) A close up of one of the spikes.

E) September 17th, most of the flowers were emerging.

F) Two of the six floral spikes still had unopened flowers on September 17th. 

G) Today, we can see 48 flowers in bloom.

H) A beautiful photo of our Aerangis luteoalba var. rhodosticta to end the post today.

A new post will be back next week everyone.

Until then, as usual have a great week!

Orchid of the day: Vanda vietnamica

Vanda vietnamica

Here is another new Vanda in our collection, Vanda vietnamica which was rather recently discovered in 1993 in Vietnam. Arne has written a paragraph below to summarize the history of this beautiful orchid.

"Vanda (Christensonia) vietnamica was discovered in 1993 in Vietnam.  The species was clearly a small Vanda-like orchid but the flowers were so genuinely different that it was first placed in its own genus Christensonia, named after one of the most talented orchid biologists during the last 50 or more years, Dr. Eric Christenson (PhD in orchids).  Based on DNA comparisons, it was transferred to Vanda in 2012.  A young plant like the one featured here suggests that this is a miniature with an array of short leaves on a rather short stem but I know of plants with multiple growths and they supposedly can grow quite tall.  Coming from the low-lands of southern Vietnam, this species likes warm conditions all year around and less light than typical Vandas." ~ Arne.

A) On August 12, we noted four flower buds developing.

B) Zooming in the developing buds.

C) August 19, exciting to see how the flowers will look like!

D) View of the entire specimen.

E) August 26, all flowers blooming.

F) September 4th, the flowers were still intact but sadly, they are gone now.

Until my next post, have a great week.