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

Goodbye Spring Hello Summer

Orchid plants greet summer with a profusion of orchid flowers.  Summer begins tomorrow June 20 and that means hotter days ahead.  The greenhouse is brimming with orchid flowers to delight the senses.  Here are some photos of orchid flowers that bloom in the summer.  Enjoy!

Father's Day Orchid Flowers

Father's Day orchids include our spring orchids collection - orchid plants blooming in spring.  Woohoo!! Just about everything is in bloom right now including our special Maxillara tenouifolia, Renanthera Scarlet Yuka and Bollea ecuadorense - beautiful orchids for Father's Day.  Phalaenopsis are appearing in colors growers would have only imagined ten years ago but I am only sharing one photo of one of my favorites called Phalaenopsis Gold Tris "SW" - Enjoy!

Father's Day Orchid Flowers

 

Maxillara tenouifolia

 

Renanthera Scarlet Yuka

 

Bollea ecuadorense

 

 Phalaenopsis Gold Tris SW

Mother's Day Orchid Flowers

Mother's Day Orchid Flowers - Here are some orchids worthy of mom.  What do you think? Do you think mom will like one? Mother's Day is around the corner and what better way to say I love you mom than with a long lasting orchid plant or orchid flowers? Orchid plants can be combined to create a basket of orchids of up to six living orchid plants.. WOW!! Orchid plants stay in bloom for a long time and the plant can be kept alive and enjoyed for a lifetime.  Orchid flowers come in many colors too and they can be combined to create a bouquet of up 30 orchid flowers stems.. Now that is special!
Here are some beautiful pics of Mothers Day Orchid Flowers.

Mother's Day Orchid Flowers at http://www.1888orchids.com/

Orchid Flowers for the Administrative Professional

Congratulations to all hard working administrative professionals.  Administrative Professionals Week is 4/22 to 4/28.  This week celebrates your hard work and dedication to get the job done right.  You live with the motto - exceed the expectations of others.  Happy Administrative Professionals Week! Enjoy these photos of orchid flowers.

Plug Orchids - Just Plug'em In..

Here is an interesting trend that you may have seen.. small orchids grown in plug pots.   Here are some photos of plug orchids - they are called "plug orchids" because the size of the pot is a plug size making the plant a plug plant.  From this small pot (usually 1 1/2 inches, 3.81 cm) small orchid plants are then transplanted into three inch pots (all the while maintaining a tight growing space for the orchid) until they reach the mature size usually in a four inch orchid growing pot.  Many orchid plants start there life in a plug pot, then go to a three inch pot, then a four inch pot.. The growing process must be followed for the orchid to reach a mature size.  Woohoo!!  Enjoy!