$12.95 (x2)

Here's what we're hoping for from Robert's Delight



Vanda Robert's Delight 'Crownfox Big Red' FCC/AOS Home Depot $12.95

 

Brassavola nodosa 'Mas Mejor', AM/AOS, CCM/AOS

 

An awarded variety of the fine large flowered form of this epiphyte.Cool to Intermediate. February - March blooming. Species from Central and South America. Home Depot bagged orchid department $12.95.

Honey for the nose?



 



2 words

Trichoglottis Brachiata; I'm smitten and looking forward to seeing this fascinating orchid aflame.

It's been sunny and hot this past week. Heavy waterings warranted.

For the epiphytes, a  good bath in a systemic spray early in the week to ward off the black rot-- Maxi-crop tea nearly every watering. A keiki has sprouted from the Ascocenda adisak blue, which has become quite a large vanda. I am becoming a real believer in Maxi-crop (with a hit of Jack's 20-20-20 from time to time).  More later.

Pic from RF  Orchids, the source of my Trichoglottis Brachiata.

Ho mode pot

Plat du jour

SURPRISE ! Hiding behind a spinning bulb rack, Jammed against the side of the sliding door (which continued to open and close as I browsed) was the Home Depot vandas, ascocendas and cattleyas section-- a new source.. priced from $5.95 -> $12.95.  Tonight's treat was cattleya Toshie Aoki X Bl Richard Mueller -orange 3/6/2012.


The sanguine moon has risen

6AM Hosed down orchids and drenched the rest thoroughly.

They designed the drainage off of the terrace very poorly. My water runoff falls on my downstairs neighbors 2 smaller terraces. At times there is a good deal of debris and soil laden water.  I'm thinking of having a wooden floor built that guides the water to a drain in the middle of the floor and block the drain spouts.

The orange bougainvillea is exploding with coral-orange bracts. With the purple and magenta bougies all in bloom together, I'm proud to assist these children as they present the world with a heartening splash of color. Smile everybody.

My heart's a'fire

Just STOP it!!  Here are 3 new purchases from RF Orchid. Nice plants with pups.  I've pasted pics for an idea of what can happen when the orchid gods smile.



ascecentrum miniatum in bloom (pic from ebay)

 



 My Ascecentrum  miniatum
 



'chili pepper' (pic RF Orchids)



Ascocenda Laksi 'Chili Pepper'





WHAT.. MORE ??

 

 



http://orchids.wikia.com/wiki/Trichoglottis_brachiata

 

 

Passing glances

 

The slightly cooler, bright (drier) days, along with a little PlantDynamite have coaxed masses of color from the bougainvilleas. The plumeria, top foreground, just love bright, dry weather and reward the gardener with pure white, with a very gentle scent- on a still day.

 

The orchids were fed this morning with some Jacks 20-20-20 and a capful of seaweed. As per my "Vanda Month by Month" reference, it's time to ratchet down the feeding in preparation for the slowing- dormancy- of the winter. The tropical sun may keep some growth alit. 



 

Making a run to RF Orchids tomorrow morning. I really want to splurge and buy the largest dendrobium aggregatum they have. Going forward, fragrance will be my guide in the orchid houses.

Thrips made me do it

Sprayed all orchids down, seriously, with Bayer Natria Disease and Pest Spray. Thrips have been 'collaring' my poor vanda roots. Once the root has the thrip ring the ends below the ring turn white and don't seem to be able to absorb water.. maybe they do, but they do not turn green when watered.

Satan's Spawn
 (pic from AOS)

Hoping too, that the anti-fungal properties of the spray will act as a happy preventative, keeping trouble more than a few steps behind.

Brown spots, raised lesions, discoloration on orchid leaves



aerides fieldingii looking pretty handsome



Internet pic of bacterial brown rot.. not mine  

Noticed a black raised lesion on a strap of the big Vanda (bacterial brown rot?), washed the leaf down with some hydrogen peroxide. I think maybe watering, with my healthful concoction of seaweed and Jack's 20-20-20... has been a little excessive.. Perhaps just focus on keeping the roots moist, lay off the leaves.

Que Rico!

Sweet little flower opened up today.

Prothecea Radiata 'Fragrant Taco'

And then came October

The sun has begun to recline into the southern sky. We've lost at least an hour on either side of the day.

I've attached a picture of terrace the first year or so after having moved in. The ridge of the main roof runs on an east west axis. The terrace faces due south. As the solar arc slips south in the sky, both the morning and afternoon exposure are extended. The days are shorter, but there is more usable light underneath the roof for the orchids. Some of which are hanging on the backside of the columns seen here. On pins and needles waiting to see what sunlight will be available for them at solstice time.

 

Main ridge is on an east west axis, my exposure.. due south

Still quite humid here, the day's temps are in the mid 80's, higher when it's sunny.