Observations and images describing my orchid-growing hobby and the process I use to bring miniature orchids into blossom.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Bulbophyllum psychoon
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.

Sunday, July 12, 2009
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...
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...