Orchid of the day: Vanda testacea

Vanda testacea

An update on our Vanda testacea for this year. This time around it has more than forty flowers on four flower spikes. Each flower remains in full bloom  up to three weeks, then it wilts. Basically, the flowers bloom in succession on the different flower spikes. The flowers are about 1.5 cm in size, with well-shaped yellow flowers with a bluish/purplish lip. The older the flower, the deeper hue of yellow the petals are.

A) 'Hanging' on the wall with the roots extending out to breathe.

B) I am constantly amazed by the roots of orchids.

C) In this picture, the top flower spike, has many buds waiting to open. Unfortunately, I will not be able to have a photograph showing all forty flowers at once. 

D) A focus on a single flower. Lovely purple lip.

E) The 'younger' flowers have a lighter shade of yellow (circled in red), compared to the more 'seasoned' flowers.

F) This Sri Lankan beauty has grown quite a lot in our care since 2016. Reliably flowering each year in Summer. See my posts from July 9, 2017,  August 5, 2018, and July 7, 2019.

Well, that's my post for this weekend. To everyone, have a good week and stay safe!

Khairul Bariah

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

Prosthechea mariae, formerly known as Encyclia mariae

This Mexican native has been in our cares since 2011. It is now a gorgeous beauty of nine years old and has rewarded us with six flower spikes and twenty flowers. Another example of orchids doing well mounted on a piece of bark instead of in a pot. I personally prefer orchids cultured this way. Of course you must have a very devoted orchid culturist to tend to it daily. That would be Arne.

A) In April, flower spikes were developing.

B) Over the years this orchid produced many pseudobulbs. As time goes by, these pseudobulbs drop off their leaves, leaving behind 'stumping-looking-green-fingers'. 

C) In June, all of the flowers were blooming.

D) Our orchid in 2012. How it has grown!

E) White delicate flowers.

F) These beauties are still in bloom today.

G) A magnificent specimen. Our favorite orchid and very reliable.

Until my next post, have a safe and relaxing July 4th weekend.

Khairul Bariah