Two First Bloom Seedlings
 

Got to see two first bloom seedlings this week:

RLC Dendi's Gem (RLC Suncoast Sunspots x Jungle Gem)
Bought 6 or 8 of these from Sunset Valley Orchids, incl the reciprocal cross. This is technically the second to bloom, but a slug enjoyed the first one before the bud opened.

RTH Flying Free (C. Seagulls Apricot x RTH Free Spirit)
This is Ron Midgett (New Earth Orchids) breeding. Ron used to live in NJ, but is now in NM. He was at the Deep Cut show as a vendor in February, and I took the opportunity to stock up on his mini Catts.

The one blooming has 2" flowers. This plant was so large, that I actually divided it when I repotted that group.

I love hot fiery colours. These are both great, if I could only choose one, it would be the second though. Scratch that, I'd make room for both.

Nice red first blooms!

Congratulations! I always feel happy when I get that first bloom from a seedling I have been growing for a while. The feeling is so addicting that I keep buying more seedlings. :)

I like to get multiples, so I can select for the best flower. Can't afford to buy 6 blooming size plants of everything, so seedlings it is.

The exception is Paphs. There it is such a 'hit or miss', that I generally only buy plants in bloom - or a whole flask, so I get 20+ to choose from.

They are both lovely.

I'm loving the Dendi's Gem. I may have a thing for spots...

Love them both.

The second one with the dark red petals and lighter yellow lip is unusual.

Are you serious about the name changing in genera? Just curious.

Yes, they moved some of the Brazilean Laelias to Sophronitis, only to move them to Cattleya a few years later.

Likewise, Neofinetia falcata and all the Ascocentrums are now Vandas!

As they study DNA profiles, they will keep moving plants around, till nobody can remember what is what.

And, as the genus changes, so do the names (in Latin, the ending depends upon the genus). For example, Ascocentrum miniatum, is now Vanda miniata.

Having fun yet?