Orchid of the day: Paphiopedilum niveum

Paphiopedilum niveum

Paphiopedilum niveum belongs to a group of warm growing Paphiopedilum species with large white or pale yellow flowers from South-east Asia. Paph. niveum comes from the Malaysian Peninsular and is probably the warmest growing in the group. In addition to its well-shaped flowers that are almost snow-white (niveum) it has attractive mottled foliage.

Arne bought this orchid on January 21st, 2017, the same day as the Women’s March in Washington DC (and all around the world). So far based on his experience, Arne admits that this Paph. niveum is not the easiest growing species to grow. Perhaps our current growing conditions is not quite optimal for this plant as compared to our other warm growing orchids. For example, it is probably too cold for the two-three months during winter. The Paph. niveum seems to be much less forgiving in that respect.

Arne sees this as a challenge and aims to learn how to really grow this orchid well. After all, it comes from my birth region. If we finally find the secret to keep this orchid happy, I guess it will appear in this blog again next time! 

A) April 29th. 

B) July 4th. Took a little time before the flower bud developed.

C) By July 8th, the single white flower was completely opened.

 D) To the left, the flower in natural light; to the right, in our basement with the artificial lighting

E) Our Paph. niveum enjoying the Baltimore summer with our other warm loving orchids in the backyard.

I am happy to say, that until today, July 25th, the single flower is still in bloom and looking great. No signs of wilting as yet. That is why I love orchids! A challenge to grow but worth the wait.

Orchid of the day: Schoenorchis fragrans

Schoenorchis fragrans

Our Schoenorchid fragrans, from southeast Asia, which is one of the absolute smallest vandaceous orchids, is in full bloom again this July. I love this particular orchid because it was no bigger than a quarter when we first got it and now it has grown...actually not too much but we have about fifty flowers! See below.

A) Actual size today.

Below is when we began noticing the buds developing in late June.

B) We almost missed seeing these tiny buds. The leaves are thick and fleshy.

C) Another angle of the developing flower buds.

D) By July 4th, some of the flowers were already opening.

E) More flowers by July 8th.

F) By July 18 about 5 buds left to open.

I hope you enjoyed these tiny beauties, we certainly do. Until my next post, have a great week everyone!

Please visit my earlier posts regarding this orchid, you will see how many flowers have developed over the few years we have had this orchid. Interestingly, the entire plant remained miniature. Here are some of the links, July 19, 2015; August 2, 2017; July 23, 2016.

Orchid of the day: Tolumnia popoki 'Mitzi'

Tolumnia popoki 'Mitzi'

This orchid which is also called "Oncidium Dancing Lady"  was purchased in 2009. This miniature oncidium is also commonly called equitant oncidium. The intense purple to dark red hue has a tendency to fade away rather quickly, so by the time these photos were taken, the flowers looked a little 'washed out'.

A) By May 20, we have at least fourteen flower buds emerging from the single flower stem. 

B) The entire orchid in full bloom on June 14.

C) Beautiful blooms on June 14th.

I posted about this particular orchid in 2014. If you click on the link from 2014, you can really see how this orchid has grown. 

D) A final close up of our Dancing Lady.

I hope you have enjoyed the photos from my post today. Unfortunately, all the blooms have wilted away today. But these flowers do last for almost one month. That is what I love about orchids.