Bought 3 new orchids today!
 

I wasn't actually planning to buy any orchids for a while, maybe in August (b-day) or the fall, but this was the missus' idea, so I happily went along with it. We are entertaining on July 4, so I think she wanted some flowers in the house, and it seemed smarter to buy orchids than cut flowers that would just whither. The local purveyor also had a 25% off sale going on (50% on Phals) which helped.

We got one each Phalaenopsis, Oncidium and Prosthecea.

Plant #1 is a Prosthecea/Encyclia Cochleata and isn't blooming size yet, I believe, but seems healthy. It's got 9 pbulbs. The largest pbulb is about the size of a 50 cent piece in height. Most are the size of a quarter, and one is tiny and closer to the size of a nickel or dime. I would have liked something bigger, but I thought it would be interesting to grow this one from such a small size.

The oncidium is a Miltassia Kauai's Choice 'Tropical Fragrance' AM/AOS. It's got very spidery blooms. I've already got a Gilded Tower 'Mystic Maze' which has a very similar appearance, but I'm ok with that and the missus really liked these blooms. I suspect this came from the same source as the 'Mystic Maze' that I have because it appears to be planted the same (media, pot, etc...). After the party, I'll be repotting, and I'm not looking forward to having to pick the moss out of the roots. <edit> Holy moly, I was just looking at this one and noticed that it has a second, new, young inflorescence that's about 6-8" long! Hopefully, I can keep it healthy and happy in the current media long enough to get that second set of blooms to mature and open.</edit>

The Phal is a Shu Long Beauty. I've never seen a Phal with this many blooms. It's got 21 blooms on a single inflorescence with several branches. Every branch has a small nub that looks like a tiny bud right before the last bloom too, so I'm guessing those could possibly end up being more blooms or branches (or do nothing). It's got 8 really nice flat healthy looking leaves. It is in a floppy thin plastic pot full of moss, but it's got a bunch of good healthy looking roots.

I just grabbed a couple of quick, kind of crappy snapshots with my phone of the two blooming plants.

Not to go off topic but that is a stunning vase on the table. I collect...is it antique? Great find on the orchids too.

No worries, nope, just an inexpensive, pretty vase from Marshall's Home Goods. The missus bought it for a purpose, but it didn't really work for the purpose so now it just sits there, empty.

Beautiful! Recently got into the orchid game myself, and can kick myself for all the money I've spent in cut flowers... and the orchid blooms last longer!

1: cochleata's are so cool,and I love that they just keep spitting out blooms (mine is passing the two month mark for being in bloom with more buds developing)

2: I only have one miltassia but I love it, I have found it to be a hardy little plant that just wants to grow and do its thing

3: I have only ever bought 2 phals, a bellina and a schilleriana, all of my other ones have either been pulled out of the garbage or "gifted" to me before they went in the garbage.... but I would buy that one! That flower is stunning!

Thanks folks. I'm pretty excited. I can't wait to watch the Pros. Cochleata grow and bloom.

Lucky you to have a spouse who comes up with the idea of buying more orchids! :) That is an especially nice Phal. Thanks to a couple of other recent threads here, the Pros. cochleata is on my "want one of those" list.

Gorgeous! The number of blooms on that Phal is amazing. You are lucky to live near a seller that has such a good selection. Enjoy the Fourth!

When I'm invited to someone's home,I always spend more time admiring their orchids instead of being sociable! Pets and plants are my company. :roll:

I love the Phal. I bought one today that has similar looks. I was sent out of town for a medical school rotation for a month and I think the two phals I bought will keep me company. Or that's what I tell myself. Hehe
I agree that orchids make more sense than cut flowers for decorating. Enjoy the 4th.

---------- Post added at 05:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:32 PM ----------

I'm the same way.