In previous posts about growing media for the terrestrial orchid, Habaneria radiata, I set up an experiment and shared some preliminary results based on observed foliar growth. It turns out that the most important measure of success was under the soil. Here are the orchids at the end of the growing season last December. Orchids in December […]
Orchids
Growing medium for terrestrial orchids
This past spring I planted a number of Habaneria radiata – crane orchids – in different soil mixes to see how well each worked for propagation purposes (see Growing terrestrial orchids for details). The first flowers appeared this week so I thought it would be a good time to share the results. A few things surprised me. […]
Growing terrestrial orchids
Years ago, Boon Manakitivipart introduced me to orchid varieties used as accent plants. One in particular stuck with me. Boon gave me a few bulbs and I grew them successfully for many years. After a while, however, the numbers started dwindling as I often gave them to friends. A few years ago, the last few […]
The colors of orchids
The 2013 Pacific Orchid Exposition included more flowers that were new to me than I could count. Here are some more of the standouts. Orchids on display at the 2013 Pacific Orchid Exposition at Fort Mason Yellow White Stripes White, pink and yellow White, green and yellow White […]
2013 Pacific Orchid Exposition
I had the fortune to attend the 2013 Pacific Orchid Exposition at Fort Mason, San Francisco, last month. Wow, what an explosion of bright colors and exotic shapes! This year’s theme was East Meets West – a theme picked up by many of the booths and exhibits. As I don’t know much about orchids, I’ll […]