Green Orchids

I must have been Irish in a past life because I like everything Irish, except the excessive drinking and especially the color green. You don't have to drink a lot on St. Patrick's day to know that green is a beautiful color. Just about everything that grows is green. When it dies, it turns brown. Green is a symbol of life and with St. Patrick's Day right around the corner (Wednesday, March 17), what better time to time to show off my favorite green orchids?
Green orchids are beautiful because the hue of the green within each orchid varies. But the tone is a lime green color that appears to glows.

Make 'em Smile With a Birthday Bouquet of Orchid Flowers

Cut orchids are a great birthday gift because the flowers last a long time and they are very beautiful.

I made it a goal to always have flowers on my kitchen table. So I can tell you first hand that cut orchid flowers are very long lasting. Cut orchids like dendrobiums will drop all the flowers or they may shrivel on the flower spike. You simply pinch the dead flower from the flower spike.
The tip of the flower spike will still have buds. Do not remove these and you have a challenge to see the buds become flowers. With proper care, the buds will continue to flower allowing the flower stem to stay blooming for months. I have seen cut dendrobium orchids in a glass vase for months.

Not only do cut orchid flowers last long, they are exotic. Probably the best word to describe an orchid is exquisite. So cut orchid flowers are exquisitely exotic flowers. Just being around a bouquet of cut orchids make you feel special.

Celebrate a birthday with something different - cut orchid flowers!

Celebrate a Birthday with a Fragrant Orchid

Here are photos of some of my favorite fragrant orchids that make thoughtful birthday gifts.

My Favorite Red Orchdids

Valentine's Day is right around the corner so there is no better time (other than Christmas) to write about my favorite red orchids. Orchids that produce red flowers can be hard to find which makes them even more alluring. Whenever I see the color red in the greenhouse, I am magnetically drawn to the flower. That is why I am going to write about my favorite red orchids.

The first orchid that I love is Burr. (stands for Burrageara) Living Fire Glowing Embers. It's a fairly common intergeneric orchid but I think its still a special orchid plant. I am always intrigued by the silvery color of the foliage. 1888Orchids.com normally offer this orchid in a four inch growing pot but I have seen Burr. Living Fire "Glowering Embers" as a specimen plant with multiple flower spikes and it looks amazing with all the red flowers. The bright red flowers are always a treat and beckon the admirer to take a closer look.
Next is Blc. Chia Lin Shinsu, the large flowering cattleya. The flowers are red that can be described as very dark papaya. The flowers glisten with a diamond dust sparkle that makes you smile. The silvery, diamond dust affect on the flowers dampens the color somewhat which makes you wonder what color it really is. The flower is very fragrant that smells like bubble gum.

Another favorite red orchid is Dtps. Taida Salu "Alisan" prdouced by Taida Horticultural. I don't know why this orchid has not won an award as it is both hardy after it finishes blooming and produces a profusion of flowers when in bloom. The characteristic branching flower spike ensures the orchid plant will produce a profusion of orchid flowers. A closer look at the flower reveals that the color red overlays yellow. The orchid plant continues to look fuller and prettier every year that's why it's one of my favorites.


I also like, and I am sure you will agree, Slc. Wendy's Valentine "June" The foliage is compact and the flowers are bright red with a bright yellow center. The fact the orchid is named Slc. Wendy's Valentine "June" and it is in bloom right now, hint, hint Valentine's Day is right around the corner...

Not just for the poor man, red epidendrums are the orchid to cherish. With proper care, these orchids will last a lifetime and reward the orchid lover with cluster of orchid flowers. I am from California and I like epidendrum orchids because they will grow outside, some in full sun.
I can't tell you about my favorite red orchids without mentioning my favorite red cut orchid flowers! Drum roll please... its Red Azima Orchids
Here are photos of some of my other favorite red orchids...

Valentine's Day Orchids

What is the most commonly gifted gift plant on Valentine's Day? That's easy, orchids! I remember a time, not so long ago, when orchid plants were mysterious and incredibly exquisite. It is not the orchid that is changing (although you can find orchids at your local florist), it is me. Orchids continue to intrigue people, especially those that like high style and enjoy an exquisite gift. So I ponder, why are orchids the most popular gift plant or what is it about orchids that make them so exquisite. Ok, I'll write about that!

In case you don't know, orchid plants are higher level plants that have existed way back since the dinosaurs. Many are air plants that live off the air you and I breathe to survive.


This makes them special plants indeed. Since orchids are not extinct and have survived for millennium, they have become highly evolved. Many advances in orchid breeding and growing have created an abundant supply of orchid plants such as phalaenopsis, cattleya, oncidium alliance and the new intergeneric orchids from Hawaii.

Your first look at an orchid sparks intrigue and you are beckoned by the orchid flower to take a closer look. You may find the orchid is not fragrant. Most orchids do not have a scent, but many are fragrant! Now you know why orchid plants are so popular.
Next, orchid plant gifts are very exquisite. I guess 'exquisite' is the best word to describe a gift orchid. Imagine the look on their face, when they open the box and inside find a perfectly wrapped orchid. Barring the orchid box is not smashed by FedEx, USPS, or UPS - the recipient receives a living, blooming orchid plant with instructions on how to care for it. With proper care, many orchids can last a lifetime.

You smile at the beautiful blooms and think, what kind of plant is this? You discover it's an orchid and your big smile widens. All your worries disappear as you ponder how special you are to be the recipient of a gift orchid on Valentine's Day.

Winter Orchids - More About Winter Orchids

One of the best things about orchids is that you can find blooming orchids year round. At this time of the year, the most popular orchid houseplant, Phalaenopsis, is blooming. These plants have long graceful inflorescences (stems) holding large flowers. They will last up to four months under good household conditions and are a real bargain when compared to other blooming plants or cut flowers. The flowers come in a variety of colors from white, pink, purple, red, orange, and yellow.



Another winter favorite is the Cymbidium orchid. These cheerful plants will flower for around two months in a variety of colors
and sizes. They come in a variety of colors from white with colored lips, through the oranges and reds, and lavenders. They have been bred for years and it is possible to find almost any color or color combination that you wish. The standard size will produce inflorescences of approximately 3 feet or, or 90 centimeters; the compact and miniature plants are somewhat smaller and the inflorescences only one or two (2) feet or 30-60 centimeters. They are very popular on the west coast in the United States and are often used in outdoor plantings in the northern part of the state where there are cool but not freezing temperatures. My favorite variety to brighten up a dull January is the lemon yellow varieties with up to 15 flowers on an inflorescence.

Many Oncidium Alliance plants are now blooming with a profusion of small flowers that will move in a breeze. Their fanciful name, Dancing Ladies, describes exactly how the flowers look as they move. They come in an amazing variety of sizes and colors for all decorating needs and will last for about a month. One of the most interesting of these is the Psychopsis orchid which looks like a big butterfly at the end of its stalk. They are bright yellow with orange striping. Another interesting member of the Oncidium family, Tolumnia is a tiny plant which will fit into any space. They need a fair amount of sun to bloom, but are long
lasting and very showy.



Another winter flowering orchid is the Paphiopedilum or Lady Slipper. You would never guess that they are in the orchid family when you first see them. They have a large dorsal (top) petal, two side sepals and a slipper shaped lip after which they are named. They come in colors ranging from green through the darkest purple. Some have but one flower on an inflorescence, while others are multi-floral or have more than one flower on an inflorescence. The flowers are very long lasting and the plants will grow in low light situations making them very popular for windowsill growers.

So, brighten up your January and February with one of these blooming orchids and chase away the winter blues!

Winter Orchids

What do you call orchids that bloom in the winter? Winter orchids! or winter blooming orchids... I like winter orchids better. That's why I am going to write about winter orchids and tell you what I think makes them so special.

First of all, as we all know, it's cooler in the winter. Inside the orchid greenhouse is not so hot yet with temperature controlled greenhouses, the ambiance (is that the word) of the greenhouse feels very mild. In other words, it's not so hot! Orchid flowers enjoy heat (but not too hot) and the warmer they are the faster they bloom. When it's cooler, the orchid flowers seem to bloom for months. Some orchids have stayed in bloom for nine months. Wow! And it's cooler in the greenhouse. :)


Next, the bright colors of the orchid flowers contrast starkly with the grey of the winter sky. Things do get a little gloomy in winter, but the color of blooming orchids can take your breath away! You can't help but smile coming in from the winter, into a greenhouse filled with blooming orchids.
Lastly, winter orchids come in all sizes but none as beautiful as cymbidiums. In California, our cymbidium orchids bloom big time. With so many new color varieties now available in the cymbidium orchid family, you can't help but select a beautiful plant that will last for a life time is properly cared for.
I like winter orchids because they stay in bloom for a long time, come in every color of the rainbow and can put a smile on an angry person and lastly, cymbidium orchids are in bloom in winter, woohoo!

Thanksgiving Is Only Three Days Away

All of us at the Orchidaceous Blog want to wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Orchid Product Review: White Phalaenopsis

The white phalaenopsis has captured the hearts of anyone who is lucky enough to be around such a beautiful and graceful plant. Just being around a white phalaenopsis makes you feel special and you will see why in my words and pictures of this most magnificent of blooming orchid plants.



What makes the white phalaenopsis orchid so special. First of all, when you are near a white phalaenopsis you are captured by its grace and beauty. The flowers are so white they glow and you are captured by the sheer whiteness of the flower. The center is kissed with yellow and tiny fuchsia spots that is only visible by closer inspection. You can't help but admire such whiteness.

Next, one is captured by the versatility of the white phalaenopsis. They go with just about any decor from the rustic to the modern and everything in between. You better look good next to a white phalaenopsis because you know the white phalaenopsis is looking good baby! After seeing hundreds of orchids, I recently saw a basket of orchids with all white phalaenopsis orchids and I could not help but smile at the beauty. Tall arching sprays with ten to twelve blooms on each plant.

Finally, a white phalaenopsis makes you happy. Being happy is important because that's what radiates out from within. Blooming orchid plants are special and just being around them makes you feel good. Just think, the orchid has existed since the Mesozoic era when dinosaurs roamed the earth! Buy a white phalaenopsis and wonder as you gaze at the beautiful white blooms - I have existed forever just like this beautiful white phalaenopsis orchid.

Visit: White Phalaenopsis Orchid

Usersheet at The Culture Sheet - The Web's niche for plant cultivation and horticulture

http://culturesheet.org/wiki:user:nanoj:start

Enjoy,
Steve Peralta

Oncidium Sharry Baby "Sweet Fragrance" AM/AOS - The Cholocate Orchid

http://www.1888orchids.com/Oncidium_Sharry_Baby_Sweet_Fragrance_AM_AOS_p/a01228-2.htm
You may want to send something more rare and exotic to the old time orchid collector than Oncidium Sharry Baby "Sweet Fragrance" AM/AOS (the abbreviations stand for Award of Merit / American Orchid Society) but to someone that is new to orchid collecting, Oncidium Sharry Baby "Sweet Fragrance" AM/AOS is a real treat. Of course the old time orchid collector will enjoy any orchid gift, especially from 1800Orchids.com... but to the orchid newbie, receiving this orchid as a gift is a special gift indeed. I would like to share with you some of the reasons I think this is a special orchid gift.
http://www.1888orchids.com/Oncidium_Sharry_Baby_Sweet_Fragrance_AM_AOS_p/a01228-2.htm
What makes Oncidium Sharry Baby "Sweet Fragrance" AM/AOS such a special orchid? First of all, it's fragrant... actually it's very fragrant. A blooming plant can fill a small room with the smell of chocolate. Yes, this orchid smells like chocolate combined with vanilla. The scent makes you think the orchid is edible, but it's not, so don't try eating one. Next, this orchid is easy to grow. The foliage is usually very green and lush and since it is an oncidium, it enjoys bright light. An east or west facing windowsill will be ideal for this orchid, just make sure it doesn't get direct sun, meaning you may need to shield the foliage so it doesn't burn. Monitor the color of the foliage, if it start to turn lighter yellow or white, you are allowing the sun to burn the foliage.

Finally, the Oncidium Sharry Baby "Sweet Fragrance" AM/AOS orchid is valued priced at about $49.95 - $59.95. If you get an orchid with new buds, the flowers should stay in bloom for at least one month. That's value!

URL: http://www.1800orchids.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=orchid-B01024

Enjoy,
Steve Peralta
Oncidium Sharry Baby Sweet Fragrance http://www.1888orchids.com/Oncidium_Sharry_Baby_Sweet_Fragrance_AM_AOS_p/a01228-2.htm

Orchid Product Review: Lc. Loog Tone "African Beauty" HCC/AOS

To receive an orchid gift makes you really special especially if it is a favorite cattleya orchid called Lc. Loog Tone "African Beauty" HCC/AOS. The HCC/AOS denotes that this orchid has received a Highly Commended Certificate (HCC) from the American Orchid Society (AOS)for its flowers, which scored from 75 to 79 points on a 100-point scale. As the orchid plant ages, the flower stem becomes more robust producing flower spikes with up to twenty flowers.

Calling all orchid lovers

The Southwest Florida Orchid Society will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Rutenberg Eco Living Center, 6490 South Point Blvd., Fort Myers. Dan Christensen of Dan & Margie's Orchids in Fort Lauderdale will be guest speaker. His presentation will be "A Common Sense A...

Enjoy,
Steve

URL: http://fortmyers.floridaweekly.com/news/2009/0805/arts_ent/082.html

Man given probation for orchid theft

A Bradenton man accused of stealing $10,000 worth of orchids will spend a year on probation.

John-Nathan Allen Bass was expected to go to trial this week for a felony grand theft charge. Instead Bass, 25, accepted a plea deal and agreed to plead no contest to a charge of misdemeanor petit theft.

According to a Bradenton Beach Police Department report, the victim found Bass' truck outside his home and watched as Bass loaded the vehicle with orchids. Bass drove off with the flowers after the victim tried to stop him.

Bass' attorney, Paul Hudson, told The Bradenton Herald that his client denies taking the plants, despite the plea deal. Hudson said Bass has "always been adamant he didn't do it."

URL: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/864842.html

Enjoy,
Steve Peralta
1888Orchids.com