Orchid of the day: Vanda Cherry Blossom 'Carmela' (CCM and AM/AOS)

Vanda Cherry Blossom 'Carmela' (CCM & AM/AOS)

I first posted about this orchid under the name Ascofinetia Cherry Blossom 'Carmela' on May 26, 2014. Since then the official name has changed to Vanda Cherry Blossom 'Carmela'. Over the years, this orchid has grown and produced many beautiful flowers. I am happy to say that today, Arne took our orchid for judging at the American Orchid Society (AOS) in Washington, DC, and this clone received both the Award of Merit (AM) and the Certificate of Cultural Merit (CCM).

This floriferous orchid is a cross between  Neofinetia falcata x Ascocentrum ampullaceum, and is a compact vandaceous type orchid that can be easily grown in bark or moss in pots or basket. Arne has clearly succeeded growing it in a wooden airy basket. 

   

A) Award of Merit and  Certificate of Cultural Merit

Both these awards are very prestigious but Arne is most proud to receive the CCM because this award is for a well-flowered specimen plant of robust health and it is to him as a grower. This recognizes the amount of hours he spent caring for this orchid over the years. I can certainly vouch for that!

B) This is a close up of the almost 333 star-shaped flowers. Some are still buds.

C) I took this photo with Arne holding the orchid on April 21. It always amazes me whenever I see the incredible orchid roots sprawling out into the surrounding space and wrapping around the wooden basket. 

D) Nine inflorescences but more buds than opened flowers on April 21.

E) Another close up of the flowers on April 21. Impressive already then.

F) Our awarded orchid today. 

G) How this orchid has grown. Here's a photo with Anthony in my 2014 post. 

H) Another contrast in size and the number of flowers from 2014.

Well, I certainly enjoyed putting this post together, after all ,the last time one of our orchids got an award was for Paphiopedilum delenatii 'Karin Schon' AM/AOS, on March 12, 2016. We hope to have more awards from the AOS in the future. We'll keep you posted!

Until my next post, have a great week everyone.