Highlights from The Pretty Spot

[marie458]

I thought it would be fun to share a few special orchid blooms from my garden. This year's and last year's growing seasons have definitely been the best for me so far

[DeaC]

#7 a Gongora? A fave of mine but all are lovely.

[Roberta]

Pretty spot indeed... magnificent actually. Thanks!

[DirtyCoconuts]

what is the cymbidium? im only about 30 miles away so i could probably grow it too

[Roberta]

Photo caption is Cym Valentine's Love. Looked it up...One parent is Cym Peter Pan (which is half ensifolium) So that one should, indeed, be "warmth tolerant" - not needing cool-down.

Couple of parents to look for in ancestry, parents or grandparents... Cym. Peter Pan and Cym. Golden Elf (both are Cym. ensifolium hybrids), seem to impart considerable warmth tolerance

[marie458]

Originally Posted by DeaC

#7 a Gongora? A fave of mine but all are lovely.

Yes, gongoras are fascinating orchids. I have to confess that I haven't gotten the hang of Stanhopea-types yet. I can't seem to keep them thriving for long. So, I was very surprised to see Gongora gibba bloom for me. Guess I was doing something right after all

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by marie458

Yes, gongoras are fascinating orchids. I have to confess that I haven't gotten the hang of Stanhopea-types yet. I can't seem to keep them thriving for long. So, I was very surprised to see Gongora gibba bloom for me. Guess I was doing something right after all

Temperature might be the culprit for Stanhopeas, or at least a lot of them. Several people have mentioned that either they don't spike or the spike dies when temps get too high. A lot of Gongoras come from tropical areas where they not only like to grow warm but need to.

[marie458]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

what is the cymbidium? im only about 30 miles away so i could probably grow it too

This is Cym. Valentine's Love 'Leanne' -- a pretty vigorous, warm-growing cymbidium. As Roberta noted, it's a cross between Cym. Peter Pan and Cym. Ora Lee. It loves the S. Florida environment. I do keep it out of direct sunlight throughout the day, though.

Here are some other warm-growing cymbidiums I have in my collection that you may like to try:

Cym. Cumberland Blues 'Dark Red'
Cym. China Cat 'Sunflower Cornsilk Silk'
Cym. Street of Gold 'Mana'
Cym. Here Comes the Sunshine 'Tangerine' (another favorite of mine)