Recent bloomers

[sandra]

It's been a busy and crazy summer, getting ready now for my trip and getting a bit nervous handing over the care of my orchids to the housekeeper who knows nothing about orchids. She keeps asking me to cut off a piece from one of my Cattleyas so she can grow one...OY With that said, I've written specific instructions and will have them grouped into watering schedules....and will be preying to the orchid gods that she doesn't screw up.

This is the first Cattleya (pic #1) to bloom (still opening) on my patio (east). I was a bit surprised it's gotten this far because, although I have intense light till about noon, it can't compare to how nicely the Catts that are hanging on the palm tree in front of the house are doing (south east). Anyway, here she is. The name escapes me at the moment...

The second pic is Blc. Waianae Leopard "Ching Hua". I've had it for about 1&1/2 yrs., this is the first blooming for me since I moved it to that trusty palm tree, out front.

The next 2 pics are some NoID Dends. in bloom. My biggest surprise is that one of my Dends. which finished flowering in May, recently grew another ps.bulb and is already spiking. Yippeee!

And the last pic is of my B. nodosa, the one that has really surprised me. This is another one I've had 'forever' and it finally bloomed about 5 weeks ago....one flower that smells like honeysuckle. It is the most beautiful fragrance that sweetens the entire patio every evening...one flower. I definitely want another one of these, I've really been enjoying it.

Also have a few Phals in spike and one that just bloomed, another surprise as it's a winter bloomer but she didn't feel like waiting. Didn't get a photo but it's identical to the one I lost last year. (last pic. I know, I'm cheating )

[mayres]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing the great pics. All very nice - I be thrilled to have any of those blooming at my place.

[arleneg]

Sandra,

Beautiful blooms! I love the colors on that Catt. in the first pic. I have two Brassavola hybrids and love their fragrance.

Thanks for sharing your pics.

[articuno75]

Gorgeous! Isn't the Phal the one you got from Pine Ridge? Did you get a replacement from the same place?

[Orchidementia]

Wow, those are nice!! Really like the dens (well, I like them all but the dens are fantastic!).

[norris]

Wow, nice looking blooms, I love the rich colors.

[evagentry]

Hi Sandra, glad you're back, your orchids look nice, where are you going?

[sandra]

Originally Posted by articuno75

Gorgeous! Isn't the Phal the one you got from Pine Ridge? Did you get a replacement from the same place?

No, the one from Pine Ridge was totally stressed and limp. I ended up cutting that spike when it started turning yellow. I was not happy at all with the condition I received it in but it's made a nice recovery. This one was a seedling size just about 8 months ago. I bought it from Baldin Nursery (along with 8 others ) and is why I'm surprised that it's already blooming....2 buds on the plants first blooming. I believe I remember Baldin telling me though that they buy the flasks of these from Pine Ridge but don't quote me on that!

[Celcat]

Very nice Sandra. I am envious with Den They all look very happy plants! Maybe it is why they reward you with additional bloom

[slippery_biscuit]

Very colorful variety. Too bad you can't take some with. I like the nodosa... I'm hoping mine will bloom this season. I need a hit of that fragrance !!!

[sandra]

Thanks Celcat. The Dends need high light and fortunately my patio provides enough to make them flourish. My Cattleyas, I'm not as fortunate with the light being inconsistent on the patio and disappearing in winter which really makes them sulk but, not the Dends.

slippery, get the nodosa! I'm looking or more, more, more.

Arlene, what's the fragrance like on yours? I'm curious if they all smell similar.

evagentry, thank you. My trip is turning into more time away than I originally planned. Going home to visit Calif. Also going to the Grand Canyon and if we get some time, would love to go back to the Salt River (in Az.) to do some river rafting and inner-tubing, we'll see. Also going to Vegas.

And, thank you to everyone else!

[jay]

Very nice show! I really like the B. nodosa.

[butt0n]

Sandra, those are great! I still have to get my hands on a B. Little Stars...I'm just too hooked on the Neos at the moment, so haven't been able to get one yet.

[evagentry]

Sandra, the Grand Canyon is one of the most wonderful places I have been, I hope you enjoy it. And you are one brave person to go rafting! Be sure to tell us about it when you get back home.

[patticake]

Sandra, Your blooms are gorgeous! I wish I could smell the nodosa! I hope your trip is great! I've always wanted to go tubing. How cool. I would be afraid of the rafting, I think. Good luck, anyways..

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by sandra

getting a bit nervous handing over the care of my orchids to the housekeeper who knows nothing about orchids. She keeps asking me to cut off a piece from one of my Cattleyas so she can grow one...OY

Oy! is right! I'll have to pray to the orchid gods for your orchids as well! Very nice blooms!

[psyc1210]

Wow, these are all stunning! So much color! Thanks a bunch for sharing these with us

[arleneg]

Sandra,

Each one has a slightly different fragrance, but both pleasing. One has a perfumey smell. The other has a sweet smell. Both are fragrant in the evening.

[solay]

Sandra, those are all beautiful. I like the Dens. you have. They are so healthy looking. Mine seems to be barely surviving. I think it's the light. I finally got a light meter and it barely measures 50.
Have a wonderful vacation. You deserve it.

[katrina]

Gorgeous blooms!!

I'm especially fond of your B nodosa...it's one of my fav orchids. Even when it's not blooming...the rambling nature and the spiky (yeah, I know, not an orchid term-LOL) leaves..IMO - perfection is a great descriptor.