Essence of Orchids

Orchid Images, Growing Areas, and Orchid Culture Notes from from the collection of A'na & Paul Satara

Dendrobium

Finding the “right light”: growing areas and the art of orchid placement

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What's the "right light"? Optimal light intensity for different genera and species of orchids has been an ongoing question and quest of our orchid culture. Over the years, I have continually experimented and refined the placement of orchids indoors under LED grow lights, and outdoors in several … [Read more...] about Finding the “right light”: growing areas and the art of orchid placement

A Triumph of Beauty: 10 exceptional alba orchids of 2020

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  This unique collection of orchid photographs emerges from a very unique year of orchid growing: 2020.  That probably says enough for most people to understand. In addition to the human-related dramas of the year, we experienced some extreme weather to add to our orchid growing … [Read more...] about A Triumph of Beauty: 10 exceptional alba orchids of 2020

Dendrobium speciosum ‘Aussie Gold’

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Dendrobium speciosum is a commanding and unforgettable orchid species, especially if you have the fortune to see a specimen plant in bloom.  Our Dendrobium speciosum, rather fortunately at the moment, are easily managed plants in 1 and 2 gallon pots.  Suffice to say, when you comment that an orchid … [Read more...] about Dendrobium speciosum ‘Aussie Gold’

Horizontal orchid mounts: the benefits of “mini orchid logs”

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We are always looking for ways to improve our orchid culture and create optimal growing conditions for our plants.  Over the years, we have realized that growers sometimes attempt to simulate aspects of the natural environment while neglecting more subtle details -- which make a significant … [Read more...] about Horizontal orchid mounts: the benefits of “mini orchid logs”

Dockrillia (Dendrobium) teretifolia — West Sydney variety

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We are fortunate to have the first bloom of a seedling of the very rare West Sydney variety of the well-known Australian species, Dockrillia teretifolia (Dendrobium teretifolium).  This variety is thought to be extinct in the wild, and was "re-discovered" at Santa Barbara Orchid Estate by a visiting … [Read more...] about Dockrillia (Dendrobium) teretifolia — West Sydney variety

Dendrobium limpidum

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As with many species from Papua New Guinea, the taxonomy of this particular orchid is a bit fuzzy.  Originally purchased as "Dendrobium limpidum (dichaeoides fat bulbs)", its label includes two distinct species: Dendrobium limpidum and Dendrobium dichaeoides.  We have three orchids labeled … [Read more...] about Dendrobium limpidum

Dendrobium papilio

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Dendrobium papilio creates one of the most luminous orchid flowers that I have every photographed, remarkably arising from the reed-thin canes -- nearly 3 feet (1m) tall -- with a just few wispy leaves (see photo below).  I do not believe that I have much to offer in descriptive words that can … [Read more...] about Dendrobium papilio