Offering a plume of long lasting green flowers, Epidendrum chlorops is one of several hardy Mexican species that enjoys our growing conditions. While this is not a large plant (yet), its first bloom, from a 24" (60cm) tall keiki is an excellent beginning. Epidendrum chlorops is native to Mexico, … [Read more...] about Epidendrum chlorops
orchid species
Dendrobium limpidum
As with many species from Papua New Guinea, the taxonomy of this particular orchid is a bit fuzzy. Originally purchased as "Dendrobium limpidum (dichaeoides fat bulbs)", its label includes two distinct species: Dendrobium limpidum and Dendrobium dichaeoides. We have three orchids labeled … [Read more...] about Dendrobium limpidum
Sarcochilus Dorrigo x Sarcochilus falcatus
While the Australian genus Sarcochilus has become more and more popular, with an explosion of hybrids in a range of colors reminiscent of Phalaenopsis, the primary hybrids and species have become more scarce in horticulture. It is uncommon for us to see a Sarcochilus species at an orchid society … [Read more...] about Sarcochilus Dorrigo x Sarcochilus falcatus
Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata “yellow hybrid”
Is it possible to have an unusual color form of an orchid without some controversy? The lovely yellow Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata certainly fall into that category of orchids with questionable origins and enlivening discussions. There has been reoccurring debate for years whether yellow Vanda … [Read more...] about Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata “yellow hybrid”
Dendrobium papilio
Dendrobium papilio creates one of the most luminous orchid flowers that I have every photographed, remarkably arising from the reed-thin canes -- nearly 3 feet (1m) tall -- with a just few wispy leaves (see photo below). I do not believe that I have much to offer in descriptive words that can … [Read more...] about Dendrobium papilio
Cattleya (Laelia) fidelensis
From bud to bloom ... one of my favorite flowering series of photographs of an orchid. Laelia (Cattleya) fidelensis is rather uncommon in cultivation. Its name comes from the place where it was first discovered: the Sao Fidelis mountains near Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. That being said, the more … [Read more...] about Cattleya (Laelia) fidelensis
Cattleya (Laelia) alaorii
Near perfection in an orchid flower: subtle, delicate color and symmetry in the flower of Cattleya (Laelia) alaorii 'TON Too'. This species is a wonderfully adaptable, compact, and easy grower for us. It resides on the shadier side of our bench of rupiculous Laelia, with a few other members of the … [Read more...] about Cattleya (Laelia) alaorii
Cymbidium devonianum
We seem to be attracted to this species like a magnet, possibly because of the distinct flower shape and pendulous spikes, or maybe because its hybrids grow so well in our conditions. While we have more hybrids of Cymbidium madidum, our Cymbidium collection seems dominated by plants with Cymbidium … [Read more...] about Cymbidium devonianum
