Aerangis punctata

Aerangis punctata is one of the Angraecoides originating from Madagascar. This recently described epiphytic orchid (1986) is found in the center of the island at about 4600 feet (1400m). It wants strong, diffused light (1200-2000 ft-candles), strong air movement at all times and rather high humidity. Best grown in a humidity-controlled environment.

Blooming Masdevallia

Masd. veitchiana 'Prince de Galle' x Masd. princeps



Masd. Maui Prince (Masd. tonduzil x Masd. princeps)

These are not in the tank, but up in my south window box. While these have nothing to do with growing and blooming orchids in the tank, I think they are beautiful, none-the-less. These are considered "warm-tolerant" Masd. (Masdevallia are in the Pleurothallis association and generally require cool temperatures for growth.) The Masd. I grow are mostly tolerant of temps up to the low 80s (F).

New Angraecoides

Just added 3 new Angraecoides to my collection. New in the tank are Aerangis fastuosa (well, not new - a replacement to one that crapped out!) and Aerangis punctata. Not in the tank (i.e. in my south window grow area) is Angraecum magdalenae. None of the three were purchased in spike. I will have to apply my gardening/growing skills to make this happen. But then, that's what this hobby is all about.

Bulbophyllum psychoon

As promised, here is the Bulbo in bloom. It originates in Laos where it grows in dim light on trees and at rather high moisture levels (misty.) I duplicate these conditions in the tank with 800, or so, foot-candles light, constant breeze and daily feeding.

Neofinetia falcata Onamisecai

Well, it has finally bloomed after 3 growing seasons in the tank. Let me remind you of the conditions: 1800+ foot-candles for 12-14 hours each day, 90+ percent humidity, misting every 4 hours, water/fertilizer daily, constant breeze and temperatures that range from lows in the 60s (F) in winter to highs in the 80s (F) in summer. There is no winter rest. All of these conditions are contrary to the recommended culture. The blossoms are nocturnally fragrant.

What's Happening in The Tank

In bloom right now:

Dendrobium aberrans has a single spike with 5 blossoms. Bulbophyllum psychoon is covered with spikes of smelly flowers - best display ever! Pleurothallis tribuloides has a moderate display of tiny red blossoms. Gastrochilus somai has a huge display with 3 spikes of blossoms opening progressively. All of the Haraella oderata (4 plants) have spikes.

New to me is a first time spike on the Neofinetia falcata Onamisecai. What's special is that Neos are supposed to have a cool to cold dry winter rest and supposedly they like to be set in pots of sphagnum. This one is mounted on a piece of driftwood, gets wetted or soaked, daily. It gets no winter rest, and at best, it gets 10 degrees of cooling (down to 70s from the summertime 80s). The spike is originating from the base of the most mature crown and appears to be setting 5-10 blossoms. There will be pictures posted here when the big event occurs. I'll also include the Bulbo display as well. Stay tuned...

Bulbophyllum psychoon in blossom

Bulbos typically have stinky flowers. This one is no exception, although not the worst I have smelled. It grows at very high humidity (in excess of 90%) under constant air movement and dim lighting (below 700 foot-candles.) It's home range is Vietnam.

Tank Update, March 2009

Yes, it's been a while since I updated this blog, so here is the latest status report on the orchids in the tank:





Dendrobium aberrans. This little fellow is found growing in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. It naturally grows in moss and enjoys rather high humidity. Mine is directly under the lights in the tank where it gets 1800+ foot-candles and 90+ percent humidity. It stays moist, but not dripping wet. The blossoms last for a very long time (a few months.) There is no fragrance.

Geting ready to bloom are:

Aerangis citrata
Aerangis fastuosa
Angraecum didieri
and
Haraella oderata