Hope everyone is well! The heat is in full force and the greenhouse cover came off the first of April. One small blessing with all of this Covid stuff is I’ve been able to really destress with my plants. I’m medical, so definitely still working, but it’s been soothing to step out into the garden on my off days and appreciate all the new growth that spring always brings and watch all my little Anoles running around doing bug control.
Here’s some things that have been blooming since late March. Thanks for looking
Dendrobium densiflorum. Seems to be pretty easy to bloom and doesn’t need to much of a winter cool down in order to do so. I’ve been keeping it moderately dry over the winter with no fertilizer and night temps in the low 60’s to upper 50’s
Dendrobium jenkinsii. I’ve never had a problem blooming this one and I give it the same care at the densiflorum except maybe slightly warmer night temps.
Dendrobium aggregatum. FINALLY! I got one of them to bloom after 4 years!!! I have four of these total and I’m growing them all slightly different to see what might work. This is my crappiest, most beat up looking of the bunch that stays outside year round, but it’s the only one that’s bloomed so far.
Maxillaria tenufolia. One pic in the sun, one not. Started blooming at the end of April and it’s still going. Had about 50 total blooms this year which is a massive improvement over the previous years. I usually move this in the greenhouse over the winter but I left this one outside all year and it seemed to do just fine. I call this my beach baby. So much sun, so much water, so much heat... and it smells like suntan lotion, lol.
Maxillaria variabilis (and looking a little dehydrated...). I’ve been getting a big flush of blooms in the late winter but this one free flowers throughout the year
Coelogyne lawrenceana. First time blooming a Coelogyne!
And this thing was in spike for AGES
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A newish Dendrobium officinale
Dendrobium unicum. I LOVE this Dendrobium. I don’t know if it’s my favorite orchid but is really high up there. It’s just. So. Orange.
Encylia chacoensis. Very long lasting flowers, very easy to grow, very easy to bloom and very (pleasantly!) fragrant. I can smell this one as soon as I step outside.
Encylia radiata. Also very easy just like the chacoensis. Unfortunately I killed off all the spikes and buds except one while treating for thrips. It should be blooming again mid summer, though
Encylia cochleata. Probably the easiest orchid in my entire collection. Super adaptable to just about any temp above freezing and any light level. This thing can (and has) taken a beating and just keeps looking better every year. And for the first time since I’ve had it, it’s fragrant!
Encylia tampensis. Another one that was in spike for what felt like 30 years. A lovely little fragrant Florida native that can take a beating as far as care is concerned. This one stays outdoors year round. I love that bright disk on the lip!
Dendrobium Nora Tokunaga. I’m thrilled to have this one again. I gave my last one away and have regretted it ever since, it has such elegant long lasting flowers. Also, I’ve been getting a lot better at my Latouria culture and have been able to keep the leaves looking nice! Score!
Ascocentrum garayi. I can’t grow big Vandas to save my life but these little ones seem to do great. Such nice cheerful bright clusters of blooms