Why not grow orchids?

[John hovancsek]

This past weeks blooms in the garden 

[piping plovers]

2 hours ago, John hovancsek said:

This past weeks blooms in the garden 

The flamingo flowers look wonderful. Is that the Hawaiin Hapu’u fern in the background?  I have one on my wish list to grow in my sunroom; hopefully will order one soon from the big island.

[John hovancsek]

7 minutes ago, piping plovers said:

The flamingo flowers look wonderful. Is that the Hawaiin Hapu’u fern in the background?  I have one on my wish list to grow in my sunroom; hopefully will order one soon from the big island.

Yes I put all my struggling orchids on them and they take off

[metalfan]

John HOW are you growing that Dracula in HAWAII? They literally melt here in Florida

[Tracy]

This Epidendrum raniferum is in bloom again, but this time I have 3 spikes with flowers.  It is proving to be a good grower in my climate and I like the foliage when it isn't in bloom.

[piping plovers]

Re: BAGGY BABIES, you know those those immature orchids in pots and mesh or clear wrapping for retail usually supplied by FL nursery BetterGro:  I posted this on OrchidBoard and figured that you orchid experts on PT may be able to help with this.  
 

I’m showing my age, lol, but does Anyone know if BetterGro was selling the baggy babies to garden centers, wholesalers, florists in the 1980s? Yes, even before Home Depot and Lowe’s were nationwide.

Also, anyone know if there were other companies other than BetterGro selling these nationwide? Or was it most likely that a baggy baby in a retail shop in the 80s would have been from BetterGro?

I’m trying to narrow down options of suppliers to get an ID for a baggy baby noid I bought in the northeast in the 80s. I’m pretty sure it was BetterGro because an orchid nursery supplying wholesale 37 years ago would most likely be a FL nursery with east coast /national market unless there were other nurseries doing the same thing in CA or something.

I contacted the folks at BetterGro and they have been super helpful to me. Just wanted to be sure I’m focused on the most probable supplier.

Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide!

Best,
Joe

[Tracy]

Cleisocentron gokusingii (merillianum)

[piping plovers]

Gongora fulva.  I could smell the exotic fragrance outdoors before I even saw the blooms. I appreciate these even when they are not in bloom.  Like hostas, aspidistra, or lily of the valley hanging baskets.

The orchids have been enjoying the remnants of that hurricane or tropical storm the past few days.   Balmy breezes and drenching downpours.

 

 

[Willan]

You're spot on about orchids being more versatile than people think, especially in places like SoCal. They’re definitely not as finicky as their reputation suggests. I’ve had great luck with them on palm trunks too

[metalfan]

Bulbophyllum laxiflorum. Teensy little stars!

[Tracy]

6 hours ago, Willan said:

You're spot on about orchids being more versatile than people think, especially in places like SoCal. They’re definitely not as finicky as their reputation suggests. I’ve had great luck with them on palm trunks too

I'm trying to get this Cyrtochilum (Oncidium) villenaorum to grow up the base of a solitary Chrysalidocarpus pembanus trunk.  I was over at Andy's Orchids last year at one of his open house events and asked Andy for a recommendation for something I could grow up a palm trunk and this was his suggestion.  This summer's growth is just now putting out some roots that appear to be clinging to the trunk. 

[metalfan]

Vanda Pranom Tuan Sunset #95 is in bloom

[Barry]

On 8/7/2024 at 2:58 PM, piping plovers said:

Re: BAGGY BABIES, you know those those immature orchids in pots and mesh or clear wrapping for retail usually supplied by FL nursery BetterGro:  I posted this on OrchidBoard and figured that you orchid experts on PT may be able to help with this.  
 

I’m showing my age, lol, but does Anyone know if BetterGro was selling the baggy babies to garden centers, wholesalers, florists in the 1980s? Yes, even before Home Depot and Lowe’s were nationwide.

Also, anyone know if there were other companies other than BetterGro selling these nationwide? Or was it most likely that a baggy baby in a retail shop in the 80s would have been from BetterGro?

I’m trying to narrow down options of suppliers to get an ID for a baggy baby noid I bought in the northeast in the 80s. I’m pretty sure it was BetterGro because an orchid nursery supplying wholesale 37 years ago would most likely be a FL nursery with east coast /national market unless there were other nurseries doing the same thing in CA or something.

I contacted the folks at BetterGro and they have been super helpful to me. Just wanted to be sure I’m focused on the most probable supplier.

Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide!

Best,
Joe

Hi Joe,

I do know Bettergro was run by the person that owns Palmers Orchids, east of Sarasota FL. I can’t think of his name at the moment, but he retired from Bettergro in the last year or two. But he ran the whole plant operations for them, so I was told by different people. Palmers is an exceptional orchid nursery, if you get the chance, it is worth the visit. They have 2 big sales a year, spring and fall. If you can sneak into the roped off section or don’t go when a sale is going on. They have incredible specimen plants that will impress most orchid growers! I have met him, just can’t remember his name. We discussed my trips to Cuba last time I was there. There selection is 2nd to none, it is something you need to see in person. You could email them and they can probably help identify your orchid. I see Ashley’s email is on their web page, she is very knowledgeable and helpful.

 

Barry

[piping plovers]

50 minutes ago, Barry said:

Hi Joe,

I do know Bettergro was run by the person that owns Palmers Orchids, east of Sarasota FL. I can’t think of his name at the moment, but he retired from Bettergro in the last year or two.

Hi Barry,

Thank you so much for replying with that information.  Very helpful!  Your reply is well timed as I was drafting an email to the Head Grower for BetterGro (I believe you are referring to Robert Palmer).  He is still listed on their website; but I appreciate now knowing that he retired recently.  Anyhow, if it was Mr Palmer who relayed information to me through their customer service, then I think I may have a good lead.  Early indications are that I may have a 1960's-era, named Cattleya cultivar Earl 'Imperialis.'  I will know to also reach out to him at Palmer Orchids.  I was reading his biography, what an amazing horticultural career Mr.  Palmer has had over the years. 

There were so many amazing white with yellow corsage-type cattleya varieties introduced in those earlier decades.  My plant has characteristics of many of those famous ones (Bob Betts, Bow Bells, Empress Bells, etc) that I hope I can arrive at an ID, especially if they kept wholesale/grower's records for the year I purchased in 1986.

Anyhow, I was watching an orchid youtube video last evening; the orchid hobbyist is located near Sarasota and was very complimentary of Palmer's Orchids.  So much so, that I typed in the name of the nursery in my phone for places to visit in SWFL when visiting FL next month or Dec.  Been awhile since I've been over to Marie Selby Gardens and thought that Sarasota would be nice to visit again.  

How is the white bat flower doing from Redlands?  I noticed those myself at the show this year, as well as the elephant ear? staghorn fern.  Really nice additions for any tropical collection.

Best,

Joe

 

[metalfan]

Vanda Prapathom Gold x Butterfly #635 is on its second blooming this summer

[John hovancsek]

On 8/1/2024 at 6:35 AM, metalfan said:

John HOW are you growing that Dracula in HAWAII? They literally melt here in Florida

I live in a high elevation where I am a bit cooler than the rest of the costal areas. I can’t live without Dracula orchids 

[John hovancsek]

[Barry]

On 8/12/2024 at 9:50 PM, piping plovers said:

Hi Barry,

Thank you so much for replying with that information.  Very helpful!  Your reply is well timed as I was drafting an email to the Head Grower for BetterGro (I believe you are referring to Robert Palmer).  He is still listed on their website; but I appreciate now knowing that he retired recently.  Anyhow, if it was Mr Palmer who relayed information to me through their customer service, then I think I may have a good lead.  Early indications are that I may have a 1960's-era, named Cattleya cultivar Earl 'Imperialis.'  I will know to also reach out to him at Palmer Orchids.  I was reading his biography, what an amazing horticultural career Mr.  Palmer has had over the years. 

There were so many amazing white with yellow corsage-type cattleya varieties introduced in those earlier decades.  My plant has characteristics of many of those famous ones (Bob Betts, Bow Bells, Empress Bells, etc) that I hope I can arrive at an ID, especially if they kept wholesale/grower's records for the year I purchased in 1986.

Anyhow, I was watching an orchid youtube video last evening; the orchid hobbyist is located near Sarasota and was very complimentary of Palmer's Orchids.  So much so, that I typed in the name of the nursery in my phone for places to visit in SWFL when visiting FL next month or Dec.  Been awhile since I've been over to Marie Selby Gardens and thought that Sarasota would be nice to visit again.  

How is the white bat flower doing from Redlands?  I noticed those myself at the show this year, as well as the elephant ear? staghorn fern.  Really nice additions for any tropical collection.

Best,

Joe

 

Joe,

I planted the white bat in the ground and it is doing well. It is close to where my vanda’s hang outside. It gets watered twice a day. It seems to like it there. Hoping for some blooms. The elephant staghorn is doing good as well, just slow growing. If you get down the Ft Myers way, hit me up and I can show you my humble yard. The Edison estate is here as well, very nice property to tour, but Selby is great as well.
I have been to a lot of orchid nurseries in the past 25 years, I would put Palmers at the top of the list!

Barry

[realarch]

Pot. Hawaiian Thrill ‘Parardise’ I WAS thrilled to find a name tag for this one. 

Tim

[realarch]

Here’s one I found while weeding, an errant plant that made its way into the garden. I’m thinking some sort of Cymbidium, but really have no idea. Growing in a decaying log by a pathway. It’s a beautiful little orchid. 

Tim

[realarch]

Bloom time for orchids in the garden. Nothing new, they were just looking so good and the fragrance so wonderful. 

Tim

[piping plovers]

On 8/17/2024 at 8:47 AM, Barry said:

Joe,

I planted the white bat in the ground and it is doing well. It is close to where my vanda’s hang outside. It gets watered twice a day. It seems to like it there. Hoping for some blooms. The elephant staghorn is doing good as well, just slow growing. If you get down the Ft Myers way, hit me up and I can show you my humble yard. The Edison estate is here as well, very nice property to tour, but Selby is great as well.
I have been to a lot of orchid nurseries in the past 25 years, I would put Palmers at the top of the list!

Barry

Sounds like a great place for the bat flower, plenty of reliable watering under the vandas.

Also, Mr. Palmer was very generous with his time and knowledge on helping me with my cattleya ID.  I will definitely have to visit them sometime soon.

Yes, and thank you.  I will reach out to you when I’m next in SWFL.  Always something to appreciate and learn from others’ growing setups and gardens.  I visited Ft Myers and Sanibel twice a year for past twenty years, up until Ian.  Hopefully you are all steadily recovering there.

 

[metalfan]

My fave Pink Mokara is in bloom again

[Tracy]

Encyclia allemanii in bloom as well as a common grocery store Phaleonopsis that moved outdoors last year.

[metalfan]

More Vandas lol. I think the orange one is Mokara Maui Sunset.

The deep purple one with the sheen is Vanda Pure's Wax Blue #3

The bicolor is Vanda Kuhn Nok

[Tracy]

A massive amount of flowers on two inflorescens coming off this little Oncidium incurvum.

[Tracy]

On 9/6/2024 at 7:47 AM, Tracy said:

A massive amount of flowers on two inflorescens coming off this little Oncidium incurvum.

Looking at the inflorescens, I realized where the name originated.   The arch does look.like it would best be described by a quadratic equation.   Probably named by a 19th century Explorer with a diverse liberal arts background. 

[John hovancsek]

Some recent blooms

[piping plovers]

Some Beautiful catts John!

3 minutes ago, John hovancsek said:

Some recent blooms

 

[piping plovers]

My first bloom for the autumn indoors flowering season.  Procatavola Key Lime Star (C. Lime Sherbet x Brassavola nodosa).

[John hovancsek]

One from last week. Sorry for the photo dump

[realarch]

5 hours ago, piping plovers said:

My first bloom for the autumn indoors flowering season.  Procatavola Key Lime Star (C. Lime Sherbet x Brassavola nodosa).

Oh yeah, I like this one. It looks like it has a wonderful fragrance as well.

[piping plovers]

7 minutes ago, realarch said:

Oh yeah, I like this one. It looks like it has a wonderful fragrance as well.

Thank you.  I bought this from a CA grower (Gold Country Orchids); the owner/grower Alan Koch, spoke at our Cape Cod, Nantucket & islands Orchid Society mtg several months ago. He was very knowledgeable and interesting to listen to.

This has bloomed twice since May.  So, short cycle from bloom to new growth to bloom. I grew it only under lights, didn’t even bring it outdoors this summer.  I notice some evening fragrance but not as potent as B. Nodosa. Only in bloom for a few days, so maybe the fragrance will peak later. I just learned from a member of Orchid Board that this cross has received 17 AOS awards since being registered in 2019.

[piping plovers]

38 minutes ago, John hovancsek said:

One from last week. Sorry for the photo dump

Ah stanhopea.  The fragrance must be wonderful.

[metalfan]

Have a few Hurricane bloomers

[John hovancsek]

The one I posted earlier has finally opened 

[Tracy]

I don't recall this hybrid's name.  I bought it in a pot and split off a couple of pseudobulbs to mount on sticks a few years ago.

[piping plovers]

8 hours ago, Tracy said:

 

I don't recall this hybrid's name.  I bought it in a pot and split off a couple of pseudobulbs to mount on sticks a few years ago.

 

Very interesting lip color and pattern on that one. I’m going to post one with similar petals but a yellow lip.

[piping plovers]

Alcra. Pacific Nova ‘Okika’

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by piping plovers
Photos added

[miamicuse]

one more picture before bringing this indoor before the storm.