Any Orchid Fanciers in the Group?

[zuzu's petals]

Just thought I'd share a few photos of some Dendrobiums
that are currently blooming in my glasshouse.





These are all NOIDs which I inherited from my mother's collection nearly 14 years ago,
she felt the ID tags were ugly, and so, discarded them immediately whenever she brought a new plant home.

There are some other species of Orchid blooming at this time, as well,

such as this pretty Oncidium.

[PlantSwap]

Beautiful. I went to an orchid show once when I was in Costa Rica and was really taken with all the variety of beautiful flowers they had.

[lcosden]

beautiful.. I went to the NY Botanical Orchid Show and came home with one too.. But it was a regular run of the mill plain white one.. After it was done blooming, I can't seem to get mine to bloom again.. Grrr..

[txbeyer]

What software did you use to get those nice beveled edges on the pictures? None of the graphics software I use has that capability. Thanks

[txbeyer]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070926/ap_on_sc/vietnam_new_species

Check this out -

[zuzu's petals]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070926/ap_on_sc/vietnam_new_species

Check this out - a really strange orchid just discovered in Viet Nam.

Oooo, leafless orchids, that IS odd.

Isn't it amazing that new species of plants and animals are still being found??
Unfortunately, we often discover them just as we are destroying their habitat.
I do hope that is not the case this time.

What software did you use to get those nice beveled edges on the pictures?
None of the graphics software I use has that capability. Thanks

I used an on-line image editor for that border.
http://www.phixr.com/account/login

You can try it out without signing up for an account,
but the account is free, if you decide you like it.

[PlantSwap]

Isn't it amazing that new species of plants and animals are still being found??
Unfortunately, we often discover them just as we are destroying their habitat.
I do hope that is not the case this time.

All species in the area are under threat from illegal logging, hunting and development.

Sigh... It's a shame.

[zuzu's petals]

Sigh... It's a shame.

I guess I was in mondo-denial mode and glossed right over that part.

[kancheta]

Those are all beautiful orchids. I am almost brave enough to start trying to grow one.

[zuzu's petals]

Thanks all for the kind words.
Like any proud mama, I do love my kids -
or, as hubby and I call them, the "O'kids".

Kancheta, like other plants, there are finnicky orchids and easy-going types,
the key to success (imho) is choosing one that likes the conditions you can easily provide.

It's usually relatively easy to find Phalenopsis and Dendrobiums for sale,
and they do tend to be quite adaptable to in-home growing.

[kancheta]

Beautiful orchids. I may get brave enough to try and grow one soon.

[lcosden]

Kancheta, go ahead and try one.. I thought they were hard too but mine is still alive.. I just haven't figured out how to make it bloom again..

[txbeyer]

Here's a few very basic tips on growing orchids. They like moisture and good air circulation. They like being fed regularly (e.g. half strength Peters 20/20/20) at least monthly, spraying the leaves and the base of the plant as well. They like shade but not dense shade. If growing in the house over winter, try a shallow dish with pebbles in it, keep water in the dish for evaporation around the leaves. Temperatures must be above 50 degrees.
Give one or two a try. That's how I learned how to grow them.

[kancheta]

Duh, I didn't see my post from yesterday and reposted pretty much the same thing. Sorry. I am going to look for one next time I go to the nursery. Never hurts to try one. Thanks for the tips Bob.

[kancheta]

Ok, I got a Phalaenopsis Orchid today. Wish me luck!