Monday, February 1, 2010

Amesiella monticola



This is a cool to warm growing species from the Philippines, growing at the edges of forests. It has a monopodial habit, with linear leathery leaves. It blooms in late winter and typically has up to 5 blossoms, nocturnally fragrant. I am growing this moist (at 90+ percent humidity) and fertilize/water daily with a solution of 125ppm nitrogen fertilizer in RO water. It is being grown at between 1000 and 1500 foot-candles florescent light for 12 hours winter and 15 hours summer.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Dendrobium moniliforme Mangetsu


This little Dendrobium is growing in a 2" pot with fine bark mix. The moniliforme Dendrobiums are just starting out of winter rest, thus the bloom. It grows under 12-13 hours of bright light close to the t5 fluorescents (approx 2000 foot-candles) and 90% humidity.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

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.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

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).

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



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.