Now that summer is officially over all the orchids are back inside! I had to setup my old 50 Gallon Aquarium to house all the plants, and some of the larger 'chids are hanging on the driftwood in our kitchen.
I am happy with this current setup so far. I am really excited about having all the orchids growing together, easier to maintain, and water. Plus I can pull up a chair and sit infront of all the 'chids at the table, which is where I am currently, writing this blog!
So onto my most recent blooms! My Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica has rewarded 3 years of attention and care with a few blooms this year :) The last time it bloomed the form was a little off, not as symmetical as I was hoping, but I have hope seeing this year's blooms that future displays will be very nice. As of today, October 10th, I have not detect any fragrance, which is somewhat disappointing, since this species is supposed to be fragrant, but it could still happen. Here is a photo of the blooms.
This species is named due to the intricate markings on the flower segments, which some say resemble Egyptian hieroglyphs.
the lip on this species can be very fuzzy, and I love it!!! I want to put the pollen to use, but I only have one other plant currently in bloom. Although I do have quite a few things that are coming into bloom in the next month or so.
Here is another plant putting on a display.
a little bit of backlighting to show the variation in color.
This is Phalaenopsis corn-cervi fma chattaladae. This form of the species is considered the only known entirely red Phalaenopsis species. Other forms of this species displays red bars or red dots on the petals and sepals (which are the outer flower segments, or the flower segments that keep the petals and lip enclosed while the bud is developing). I named this orchid after my sweetheart, so formally this is called Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi fma chattaladae 'Redfearn'. Redfearn is a family name that has been passed down through the generations. This flower is lightly fragrant, and it reminds me of sawdust- which I find very pleasing. If you look closely you can see a flower in the background that has a lot of green pigments in the flower segments, I recently took pollen of my Phalaenopsis Penang Girl (venosa x violacea indigo) and put it on this orchid. I am looking for fragrant red star-shaped everblooming flowers on vigorous plants.
So that is all for now, in a few weeks I hope to have a few more plants blooming- including a very small seedling of Phalaenopsis (Penang Girl x Corning's Violet) that has produced one small bud. I am looking forward to see what this bloom turns out like, but even more excited to smell it! Phalaenopsis Corning's Violet is a primary between Phalaenopsis corningiana x Phalaenopsis violacea, both extremely fragrant species, yet Phalaenopsis corningiana has an intense grape candy like fragrance- amazing!!! So I shall update when this orchid blooms- regardless of the quality of the bloom!
