Got a few in flower - thought I'd share! - Orchid Board

bitis78 · #1 11-03-2008, 08:23 PM

Hi everyone!

Sorry for the silence... I've been away for a while - flew to Hawaii and immersed myself in orchids for a while (as well as skipping over to Vegas for a flutter). It was a nice break from Sydney!

Well, I have a few to show off at the moment, so enjoy!

Yours, in orchids,
Andrew.

CoolPhrog · #2 11-03-2008, 08:33 PM

Great plants! Did I mention that I fit nicely in a suitcase....just food for thought next time you're planning a trip to the islands!

Lagoon · #3 11-03-2008, 08:36 PM

Great photos of some stunning orchids - Wow Andrew!

Jkelee · #4 11-03-2008, 08:45 PM

Beautiful babies there!!

But, I gotta know/have the name of the LAST PIC!! Puh-weeeeze!! I gotta have her!!

bitis78 · #5 11-03-2008, 08:48 PM

Thanks so much! It's a bit of a labour of love, but doesn't it pay off! I grow all of mine outside under a fibreglass awning - they are exposed to the elements and as you can see, they seem to like "roughing it".

I've realised I didn't put their names there for you. They are (in order):

Cattley skinneri var Alba (5 new leads - can't wait for next year!)

Cymbidium canaliculatum (an Australian native - stunning in every way.)

Cymbidium suave (another Aussie native)

Encyclia campylostalix

Gongora odoratissima

Phaius tankervilleae (everyone should have one!)

Aerides (or Papillionanthe) vandarum

Sarcochilus hartmannii (another Australian species)

Vanda tricolor var suavis (an enormous plant - and living proof that some Vandas will tolerate a cold winter)

lily99 · #6 11-03-2008, 11:50 PM

I love that Gongora! I have never seen anything quite like it.

Marissa · #7 11-04-2008, 12:38 AM

I love the first one and the Sarco. Anyway, just curious, does "bitis" mean something?

dgenovese1 · #8 11-04-2008, 01:43 AM

Andrew,

These are amazing! I love what you've got bloomin' down under!

I really appreciate the Australian natives that you've displayed here...I actually have one on my wish list prior to your post...it just moved up a notch...or maybe 4 or more notches.

It's the Phaius tankervilleae, and I'm wanting to plant several along the back garden of my pool enclosure.

Thanks for the post!

bitis78 · #9 11-04-2008, 06:13 AM

Hi Marissa,

Bitis does mean something, but it's not orchid-related. It's a genus of snakes from Africa that I find particularly beautiful. :-)

Hi David,

Glad you like them. The Phaius are so often overlooked when they shouldn't be! Being terrestrial swamp orchids, all they need is shade, a well-drained terrestrial mix, & water. Get some if you can.

A little secret about P. tankervilleae - Once the flowers wilt, chop the fresh stem into pieces then peel away the bracts to expose the little "eyes". Lay in Sphagnum and watch as your Phaius multiplies in the most remarkable way! Should help you fill your garden faster. :-)

Andrew.

dgenovese1 · #10 11-05-2008, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bitis78

Hi Marissa,

Bitis does mean something, but it's not orchid-related. It's a genus of snakes from Africa that I find particularly beautiful. :-)

Hi David,

Glad you like them. The Phaius are so often overlooked when they shouldn't be! Being terrestrial swamp orchids, all they need is shade, a well-drained terrestrial mix, & water. Get some if you can.

A little secret about P. tankervilleae - Once the flowers wilt, chop the fresh stem into pieces then peel away the bracts to expose the little "eyes". Lay in Sphagnum and watch as your Phaius multiplies in the most remarkable way! Should help you fill your garden faster. :-)

Andrew.

Thanks Andrew...that's an interesting propogation technique. I'll give it a try when I get the chance.