Maxillaria tenuifolia

It is so appropriate that this beautiful orchid plant called Maxillaria tenuifolia is in bloom in the summer.  Just about everything about this orchid plant is unique.  The bulbs known as pseudo-bulbs grow from a stem which normally grow out from the growing medium.  As the plant matures, the bulbs grow taller on these stems.  A closer look at the flower reveals very prominent petals while the sepals (all orchids have three sepals) point forward.  The center of the flower looks like a bee.   Maxillaria tenuifolia is also very fragrant.  The flowers produce a sweet scent of coconut.  So I close my eyes and take a whiff and imagine I am on a beach somewhere... :)

1888Orchids.com - Maxillaria tenuifolia

Have a great day!
Steve Peralta

1888Orchids.com - Doritaenopsis Surf Song OX "Gold Orange" Orchid Plant

Who can resist the delicate beauty of orchid flowers? Orchid flowers come in many colors.  The color orange is a new color and here we have a orange phalaenopsis orchid called Doritaenopsis Surf Song "OX" Gold Orange.  A phalaenopsis with orange flowers.. who would have thought this was possible a few years back? Orchid breeding has come a long ways don't you agree?

1888Orchids.com - Doritaenopsis Surf Song OX "Gold Orange"

White Butterfly Orchid Flower

It's summer and it is hot outside so I am reviewing a white butterfly orchid - the butterfly orchid with white flowers.  White is a symbol of purity and white being the cool color that it is.. there is no better time to tell you what I like about this orchid.  Just looking at one makes you feel good.
I like this orchid because it is elegant.  A spray of white orchid flowers in any setting adds elegance quite unlike any other flowering plant.  I also like that they are easy to care for.. It is not uncommon, with proper care, to have your white phalaenopsis re-bloom year after year.  Finally, knowing that I am caring for an orchid plant makes me feel good.  You see, when you care for an orchid plant you are caring for another species.  Along with taking good care of ourselves, caring for another species is good for everyone.  :)

Have a great day!!

Steve Peralta
1888Orchids.com

Orchids a blooming good hobby

Once you start with orchids the habit just grows on you, say the region's gardening enthusiasts.

"I just started off and it's like a disease - once you've caught it you can never get rid of it," said Illawarra District Orchid Society president Bruce Mitchell, who has nurtured them since 1998.

URL: http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/orchids-a-blooming-good-hobby/2617084.aspx

Enjoy,
Steve