Orchid lovers in North America have scant July pickings, with events happening only in Santa Barbara, Baton Rouge, and Oakland. In the Southern Hemisphere, however, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil have plenty of shows to offer.
Orchid care changes with the seasons. On top of summer’s warmth, the sun is highest in the sky and hours of daylight are at a maximum. Even on cloudy days, plants are working overtime to photosynthesize.
If orchids could read blog posts, I might be suspicious of this Rhynchostele. I complained online that it hadn’t bloomed in 6 years, and a few days later, a pair of new flowers appeared. You can find it noted last in the list at Outdoor Orchids in San Francisco, part 1 under the name Lemboglossum. That’s its old name, and the name I know it by. Name changes, however, are better suited for a future post in the Orchid Names category.
This species grows at high elevations in Mexico and Guatemala, and doesn’t like temps above 80°F (27°C.) It needs bright light with some full sun, regular water, and winter dormancy.
I can’t figure out why mine chose this year to bloom after a 6 year hiatus. Species like this can be much more finicky than hybrids. Maybe this past mild winter suited it better. As long as it survives and occasionally blooms, I still have chances to figure it out.
As for that new name, Rhynchostele, I believe it’s pronounced “rink oh STEE lee.” No matter what it’s called, if it reads another blog post, I’ll be sure to let you know.
San Francisco often welcomes the summer solstice with a cool fog, but today’s warm and sunny weather feels more in line with the beginning of the season. The most northerly trek of the sun has been noted throughout human history in every corner of the world. Whether you’re enjoying long hours of sunlight, or marking the shortest day of the year down under, you’re participating in a global act. Few events so routinely unite all people everywhere, if only for a brief moment. Summer’s potential awaits.
Who doesn’t love a summer vacation? Orchids sure do. Many growers move plants outdoors to take advantage of pleasant summer weather. Orchids which have been kept indoors will thrive with fresh air and invigorating rain showers. Here are a few tips to help plan an orchid summer vacation. Bon voyage!
Dave’s parents keep a beautiful garden at their home in Western Pennsylvania. Certainly, their cold winters aren’t very conducive for orchids, but there’s no shortage of other stunning plants. We visited earlier this month, which was the perfect time to enjoy brilliant blooms and new spring growth.
With a great spring display, it’s easy to see why Mountain Laurel is Pennsylvania’s state flower. Its masses of bright pink buds look like pieces of candy, but then open into elegant white blooms. From another area of the garden, a mini conifer seems to float on a sea of pebbles.
Variegated leaves provide color and interest, with or without flowers. Along with diverse hues and shapes, textures run the gamut. Lamb’s Ear sports incredibly soft leaves which feel as luxurious as a fine fabric.
No garden is complete without an abundance of creatures. Dave snapped some great shots of hummingbirds visiting a feeder. Finally, another garden companion surveys his turf. We all enjoyed our time in this enchanting spring garden.
Visit Kuriositas’ blog for great photos of The Amazing Monkey Orchid, aka the Dracula orchid. If you have any doubt why they call these blooms “orquidea mono“ or “monkey orchid” in Spanish, check out the second picture. With one look at the center of the flower, you may think you’re looking at Curious George himself. Can you find a troop of monkeys in the flowers of the aptly named Dracula simia?
Draculas live alongside real monkeys in the Andes. As air plants, these Masdevallia relatives even swing from the trees. Dracula blooms emerge from the bottom of the plant, and hang upside down. They’re just full of monkey business.
Thanks to my friend Blake for taking these great photos at last weekend’s New Orleans Orchid Society Show. The society’s 60th annual show was themed “The Mystery of Orchids.” It featured over 20 exhibits, more than a dozen vendors, a raffle, and lots of gorgeous blooms.
These samples from the show obviously enjoy the Big Easy’s humid subtropical climate. It’s the perfect home for warm growers like Vandas, Cattleyas, and other glamorous stars of the orchid world. Many varieties can live outdoors if they can be protected from hurricanes and from winter cold. Each is an exceptional beauty like New Orleans itself.
Orchid events slow down with summer’s approach in the Northern Hemisphere, but orchid lovers in Australia have plenty to choose from. Shows offer great opportunities to see amazing flowers, talk with local experts, take photos, and buy orchids for your own collection.
Canada’s Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival isn’t a show, but a wildlife tour. On June 1 & 2,, enjoy the chance to see Southern Ontario’s native orchids blooming in the wild. Festival events include hikes, workshops, and tours with orchid experts (many activities require reservations.) Since 44 of Canada’s 77 native orchid species grow in the Bruce Peninsula, this is a rare opportunity to see wild lady slippers, grass pink orchids, Goodyeras, and other beautiful wildflowers in their full spring colors. If you can’t make it to Ontario, fellow blogger Orchidelirium has great Bruce Peninsula orchid photos from 2008, 2009, and 2010.
