Summer 2014

It was a beautiful summer here in North Carolina- not as hot as previous summers, and with very even rainfall. The orchids have shown nice growth, and I can confidently say, now that it has been two summers in the solarium, they absolutely love it here- and so do I! Life has kept me busy over the summer with an apprenticeship, and now that it is fall I am transitioning into a new position. For those extra stressful days/weeks I found myself seeking sanctuary in the solarium, and saw several first bloomers showcase their flowers.

Below is a recent addition included in my April 2014 post- this is Phalaenopsis amboinensis 'Fred and Mary' x self. I am in awe of the special color of this one. I'm calling it Phalaenopsis amboinensis 'Ginger' due to the burnt orange/yellow color of the markings. There is a lot of green/yellow on the tips of the petals and sepals, and the lip is exclusively orange and white. Fragrance is very nice on this plant.

Phalaenopsis corningiana. This is a first bloomer for me, purchased on my last trip to Orchidview. The fragrance is incredible! Large flower.

Pictured here with a sister species, Phalaenopsis sumatrana ['Many Flower' x 'Dark Brown']

 Phalaenopsis sumatrana ['Many Flower' x 'Dark Brown']

The other flower from this past bloom.

This is Phalaenopsis mariae, which smells exactly like tangerine! I purchased this plant in Asheville from a guest speaker, Tom of Stones River Orchids. I am so surprised at the diminutive size of this flower, and the small blooming size of this species.

Phalaenopsis violacea 'Sister' ['Red' x 'Harvey']

Phalaenopsis xgersenii from Carolina Orchids- at first was completely skeptical when this opened, but after a few days, the fragrance revealed itself to be a hybrid with Phal sumatrana, and the shape is obviously Phal violacea. A very small plant, which I've had since 2009, has never been vigorous, and has stayed roughly around the same size.

Phalaenopsis Fintje Kunriawati from Orchidview, made with magenta Phal violacea [N0154]

Phalaenopsis Dragon's Fire from BigLeaf Orchids- this is sibling to my other Dragon's Fire, however this one has an amazing sweet dessert-like, spicy fragrance. This was it's first bloom.

Second bloom of Phal Dragon's Fire pictured here with Phal amboinensis 'Ginger' to show the difference in color.

Phalaenopsis Germaine Vincent 'Redfearn' [speciosa 'C#1' x violacea var indigo], definitely a favorite!

Phalaenopsis Princess Kaiulani 'Chin Yo' pictured with Phal Germaine Vincent

Another shot in cooler lighting.

Phalaenopsis violacea var alba collection shot

Phalaenopsis violacea ['H.P.' x self] with Phal violacea ['Morningstar' x 'H.P.'] in the background.

Phalaenopsis violacea ['Ivory' x 'Summer Sea Mist']

Phalaenopsis Luedgiana from BigLeaf Orchids, fragrance is sweet, but almost medicinal.

Phalaenopsis Luedde-Violacea from Orchidview, made with magenta Phal violacea [N0154]

Phalaenopsis violacea 'Blue Love' [N0446]- this plant keeps improving with age. This is probably my favorite orchid!

 Phalaenopsis violacea 'Magical' [N0154]- another plant that continues to improve with age. This is a very special plant to me that I've had since December 2010. Katherine Norton of Orchidview reluctantly sold this to me, as they had less than 10 plants of this cross left some nine years after the cross was originally made.

 Shown here are seedlings from 3 flasks of a cross between the above two Phalaenopsis violacea that I made in 2012. I made the cross both ways, so each violacea held a seedpod. I'm hoping for dark purple and indigo flowers to continue my search for a dark indigo Phal violacea. I received a total of 8 flasks from the lab, so if you are interested in trading or purchasing a seedling, or compot, please do not hesitate to contact me!