Spring News
Ghost Orchids have been making news on both sides of the pond, and this time, it’s Florida’s turn. The same Ghost Orchid that I blogged about last year is up to it again. It’s bloomed unexpectedly early in the season, but that should be no surprise considering its other quirks. This particular Ghost Orchid grows unusually high off the ground, and it blooms profusely. Typically, they have just 1 or 2 flowers at a time, but this plant had 12 during last summer’s peak. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Director Ed Carlson said that cold winter weather may have caused the early bloom, but I wouldn’t rule out that this plant just really enjoys the attention.
In other news, a New York Times column on indoor gardening agrees with my opinion not to use ice cubes to water orchids:
Q: Someone who claimed he was a botanist, advised me to water my orchids by tossing a few ice cubes in them once a week. I am dubious — what do you think?
— Posted by AnnaA: The average temperature in the rain forest is about 77 degrees F. all year around. Dripping ice water on your orchid is not advisable, as is hanging around with a bartender who claims to be a botanist.
I’ll concede that some tough hybrids can handle ice water, but most orchid varieties cannot. Stick with room temperature water for indoor plants. The bartender can find a better use for the ice cubes.
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April 4th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Wow, more ghost orchids in the news. Considering how rare they are, they get a lot of press. Maybe it will help with conservation when peopel are informed.
April 10th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Hey! I’m a bartender who loves to garden during the day. Some of us do know more than mixing drinks.
April 11th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
there are probably some bartenders who were botany majors
April 13th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
I have been obsessed by the ghost orchid of Corkscrew Sanctuary since it first bloomed on my birthday in 2007. As an author, I couldn’t help but be inspired. A mystery novel, Ghost Orchid, is the result. NPR reviews said, “the environment is the heart and soul of Ghost Orchid,” and praised the beauty of the Everglades that shines through every page. Through a tight mystery of love, lies and redemption wrapped in the mystical magic of the ghost orchid, a person can enjoy an armchair experience with this exotic and ethereal orchid. It’s blooming early this year, inspiring a sequel. Find Ghost Orchid at the gift shop at Corkscrew Sanctuary, Southwest Florida B& N stores, Amazon.com and in very inexpensive ebook versions at all online ebook sites. Enjoy – and share my obsession. http://www.dkchristi.com
April 21st, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Great post! Thanks.
May 2nd, 2010 at 7:04 am
cool post