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
orchid portraits
Cattleya (Laelia) fidelensis
From bud to bloom ... one of my favorite flowering series of photographs of an orchid. Laelia (Cattleya) fidelensis is rather uncommon in cultivation. Its name comes from the place where it was first discovered: the Sao Fidelis mountains near Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. That being said, the more … [Read more...] about Cattleya (Laelia) fidelensis
Cattleya (Laelia) alaorii
Near perfection in an orchid flower: subtle, delicate color and symmetry in the flower of Cattleya (Laelia) alaorii 'TON Too'. This species is a wonderfully adaptable, compact, and easy grower for us. It resides on the shadier side of our bench of rupiculous Laelia, with a few other members of the … [Read more...] about Cattleya (Laelia) alaorii
Cymbidium devonianum
We seem to be attracted to this species like a magnet, possibly because of the distinct flower shape and pendulous spikes, or maybe because its hybrids grow so well in our conditions. While we have more hybrids of Cymbidium madidum, our Cymbidium collection seems dominated by plants with Cymbidium … [Read more...] about Cymbidium devonianum
Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata ‘Amami Island Hiroba’
Striking white flowers with an intense fragrance define this cultivar of Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata from the Amami Islands of southern Japan. Cultivars of Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata from these islands are known for their vigorous growth and tendency to produce attractive "clumps" of fans. This … [Read more...] about Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata ‘Amami Island Hiroba’
Dendrobium cruentum
Dendrobium cruentum is a rare south-east Asian species belonging to the section Formosae. The long-lasting flowers are a spectacular contrast of orange-range on the lip with green-white petals and sepals. The extent of orange-red can be variable amongst cultivars, and even from year to year in the … [Read more...] about Dendrobium cruentum
Paphiopedilum acmodontum
Another lovely slipper orchid from the Philippines, Paphiopedilum acmodontum is a warm grower, extending to elevations of 1000m. Its name is derived from the unique "point" in the center of its pouch, resembling a tooth. Paphiopedilum acmodontum is a member of the Section Barbata. This species … [Read more...] about Paphiopedilum acmodontum
Dendrobium Le Papillon Rose
The inspiration for this orchid portrait is to share the fascinating color change from a pure white bud to brilliant pink bloom, just a day or so before the flower opens. When the seedling first bloomed, I was very curious what the flower was going to look like as I watched the bud … [Read more...] about Dendrobium Le Papillon Rose
