Archive for the 'Warm Growers' Category

Forcing Phals to Rebloom

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Phals, or Moth Orchids, are the most popular orchid varieties in the world. One of their fascinating traits is that healthy Phal plants can rebloom. While some Epidendrum and Oncidium varieties can bloom again from broken flower spikes (the stems that holds the flowers,) this process is most reliable with Phals. Their flowers last for [...]

Angraecum

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

With spectacular white blooms and a sweet scent, this Angraecum offers an elegant display. This species is native to the Comoros Islands and Madagascar. It’s easy to see its similarities with orchid relatives like Darwin’s Orchid, Jumellea, and Oeoniella. All have star-shaped white flowers, and produce rich fragrances at night to attract moth pollinators.

Those [...]

Ghost Orchid in an Ice Rink

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

A blooming Ghost Orchid is a very rare sight, so imagine my surprise when I spotted this beautiful specimen in an ice rink. Made famous with the bestselling book The Orchid Thief and the movie Adaptation, Ghost Orchids are rare in the wild, tough to grow, and uncommon in cultivation. It’s the holy grail for [...]

Jewel Orchid

Monday, April 19th, 2010

With such spectacular flowers, orchid leaves usually don’t capture too much attention. However, Jewel Orchids have foliage that steals the show. Many Jewel Orchid varieties are best suited for experienced orchid growers, but Ludisias are easy to grow. The American Orchid Society calls Ludisia “A Foolproof Orchid.” They sport dark green leaves with bright pink [...]

Oeoniella

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

No matter how many vowels in its name, Oeoniella has plenty of charms. It’s an orchid species that’s easy to grow, with dainty flowers that produce a strong, sweet scent.

Pronounced “oh-ee-NEE-ella,” rhymes with “go see me, Ella,” its name comes from Greek words describing the flower’s resemblance to an eagle’s wings. Maybe the pointed tip [...]

Orchids on a Volcano redux

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Last year when I blogged about orchids on a volcano, it was about Akatsuka Orchids on Hawaii’s Big Island. This time, the orchids are growing right on the rim of a volcanic crater. Dave took some great photos of wild orchids while we hiked the Kilauea Iki trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The first [...]

More from Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

In case you thought we only took pictures of orchids at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, I’ve got proof to the contrary. Personally, I’m fascinated by all manner of flora and fauna, but even the most devoted orchid snob would pause for these sights.

Of course, there were more astounding orchids also, like the sweet smelling Aerides [...]

Orchid Heaven

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is my idea of orchid heaven. A few years ago, Dave and I discovered it by accident as we took a detour onto a scenic road on the Big Island of Hawaii. Now it’s one of our favorite destinations, and a glance at these photos will tell you why.

Located in a [...]

Art and Orchids Bed and Breakfast

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

It’s time for an exercise with your imagination. Before you start with Dave’s incredible photos from our recent trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, envision warm tropical weather and a welcoming spirit of aloha. Imagine sweet scents perfuming the air. You’re in the midst of the natural paradise of Art and Orchids Bed and [...]

Moth Orchids: The Complete Guide to Phalaenopsis

Friday, December 11th, 2009

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift, check out Moth Orchids: The Complete Guide to Phalaenopsis by Steven Frowine. This beautiful book is the definitive text on the most popular orchids in the world. With hundreds of gorgeous photos and excellent illustrations, Frowine provides a thorough and enjoyable text on the entire Phal family. [...]