March 2011
Bct. Robert Randall CCA/SFOS, 83 points
Exhibitor: Lore Wigley
Mar 152011
Mar 012011
Get Growing with Lou Lodyga… Epidendrum prismatocarpum
If you like flowers that make a statement then this striking species is for you.
Native to Mexico and Central America its found in forests growing on large tree branches. The bright, long-lasting flowers are produced in the summer on an 15 inflorescence.
An easily grown species, it needs strong bright light and can be grown mounted or potted, and since it has pseudobulbs, it needs to dry out between watering. Fertilize only in active growth.
Feb 152011
February 2011
Den peguanum CCA/SFOS, 87 points
Exhibitors: Julie Rosenberg and Ron Hunt
Feb 012011
The Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve Park is home to the largest collection of native orchid species and bromeliads in North America. It is also home to the Florida panther, black bear, Everglades mink, and the wood stork. It is the largest strand swamp on the continent and was the featured location for the Orchid Thief and the movie “Adaptation”.
This spectacular natural landscape is located approximately 75 minutes by car west of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. On February 26, 2011, the Friends of the Fakahatchee will be hosting the annual “safari”. Visitors can participate in guided swamp walks, birding walks, photo workshops, and scenic tram rides as well as wildlife presentations, a camp fire program, and a cookout. Swamp buggy rides will also be available. All profits will go to support the preserve. For more information call 239-695-2905.
Feb 012011
Get Growing with Lou Lodyga… Cattleya trianae
This beautiful species is from Colombia’s rain forest and is their national flower. It was selected for this prestigious position because it has the same colors as the Colombian flag. A strong grower with long lasting flowers, it is in the background of many Cattleya hybrids. It was quite popular as a winter cut flower for the corsage industry in the early 20th century.
The flowers are produced during the winter and early spring. New growth begins shortly after flowering finishes in the early spring and continues to August. The sheaths are formed when the growth matures but the flower buds do not start to grow until November. Give typical cattleya growing conditions – very bright light is a must. There are some additional varieties available such as C. trianae v mooreana which has a dark splash on each petal. At one time there were more named variety of this species than any other Cattleya. Cattleya trianae is endangered in its natural habitat as a result of environmental degradation and urbanization.
Feb 012011
Species of the month: Eria rosea
This is a small sized member of a large family related to the dendrobriums which is native to China and Hong Kong.
Plants bloom in the spring and as the name suggests, they bear 3 to 4 rose colored flowers on spikes which appear in the spring. These small plants grow very well mounted and are warm tolerant.
Jan 152011
January 2011
Ctyh. Lime Sherbet BM/SFOS, 78 points
Exhibitors: Julie Rosenberg and Ron Hunt
Jan 012011
Species of the month: Maxillaria picta
Maxillaria picta belongs to a large genus of orchids which are native to Central and South America. Many of these are well suited for growing in the South Florida area.
Of these, M. picta is one of the prettiest. This warn to cool growing species is native to Brazil and Argentina and blooms from winter to spring. The fragrant yellow flowers are marked with red and have white lips and a mature plant can make a spectacular display when it’s in bloom.
From experience with my plant, it likes bright light, moderate water and fertilizer with a bit of a dry rest and good air circulation. Plants bloom from January to March.
Look for it at the upcoming Ft. Lauderdale and Tamiami shows.
Jan 012011
Get Growing with Lou Lodyga… Prostechea boothiana
A Florida native, also found in the Caribbean and Mexico in dry scrub forest and tropical deciduous forests as a hot to warm growing miniature to small sized epiphyte. It is found from sea level to 150 meters in elevation, it is commonly called the dollar orchid for the shape of it pseudobulbs; it grows best on a mount in bright light and blooms in the summer.
Spikes arise from newly formed bulbs and tend to be larger than the plant. They can carry up to 5 long-lasting flowers. Like all Florida orchids, this one is illegal to collect in the wild. Plants are available from several nurseries.
Dec 012010
Species of the month: Cattleya perciviliana
One of the Christmas blooming orchids, this species is native to Venezuela where it is found at altitudes of 1300 – 2000 meters, however the plant will grow and bloom well at sea level as it grows well for us in South Florida.
Like many cattleya species, other color forms include alba, semi-alba, and coerulea, as well as its normal pink. These plants are fragrant, although the scent is not pleasing to all.
Cattleya perciviliana is well known as one of the so-called Christmas orchid, named for their tendency to bloom in time for the holidays. Other such orchids include Laelia anceps and Angrecum sesquipidale, the “Star of Bethlehem” orchid.