There are a lot of flowers opening up in my collection right now (now that all my regional shows are over...go figure!), but there are a handful of plants that I'm especially excited about.
First of all, the Peristeria elata, "Dove Orchid" or "Holy Spirit Orchid":
This is a newly opened flower. I expected the flowers to remain tightly spherical like this, but they ended up opening a bit more.
It's not evident from these photos, but the flowers "braid" themselves around the spike, wrapping around and opening up in the opposite direction of their origin. They have a strong fragrance, which is very reminiscent of anise or licorice.
The plant itself is very large, over three feet from base of pot to top of its still-developing spike. Oh, and did I mention I managed to nab this beauty for just $10?
Next, the Dendrobium Frosty Dawn:
I was especially curious about this one because it was marked as 'Wings of Gold', but I've learned these orchids are frequently mis-marked. Mine has no wings of gold, but she's still a beauty.
Prosthechea cochleata (or Encyclia cochleata):
Every time I see these happy little squids, I just can't help but smile!
Ascocenda Fuchs Sunkist 'Sundance' AM/AOS, radiant in the morning sunlight:
Ascocenda Kulwadee Fragrance, whose blooms have just faded, only to be replaced by two more spikes:
And finally, Phalaenopsis bellina. This one is from Louisiana Orchid Connection, and is marked TW-3865 (MC):
This is its very first bloom, with another on its way.
She was my anniversary present this year, and I must say, it's probably my favorite gift I've ever received!
But now for the major disappointment... My husband remarked about how beautifully fragrant this orchid is. He described it as lemon candy with a hint of exotic perfume. But I can't smell it!! What I smell is faint and very green, like a snapped twig with a hint of bitter grapefruit peel--not very appealing. I feel so gipped by my stupid nose! Does anyone else have a problem smelling this flower?
Some exciting blooms and a major disappointment (picture heavy)
Sadly, I've not detected fragrance from those flowers. Then again, I can't smell the bellina either, so I might not be the best source of info!
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