Phalaenopsis bellina (by Lou Lodyga)

 Species
Jun 012011
 

Get Growing with Lou Lodyga… Phalenopsis bellina

Anyone who has been growing orchids for years will know this species by its former name, Phalanopsis violacea v. Borneo. It was given full species status by Eric Christensen in 1995 and renamed bellina. Whatever name it goes by, this is a definite must for the Phalenopsis grower.

Since it comes from Borneo and Malaysia, it requires shady, humid conditions, like one would find in a tropical forest. The flowers are produced in the summer and fall on short inflorescences and can have 2 to 3 highly fragrant flowers open at a time. One nice item about this plant is that the inflorescence on older plants can rebloom year after tear so don’t cut off any green viable inflorescences.

There are many excellent line bred forms available at nurseries. This species does well mounted, but since Phalanopsis are subject to crown rot if water stands in the crown for any length of time, mount them upside down. If you decide to grow them in a pot, you’ll need to repot them yearly if they are in sphagnum moss.

Epidendrum prismatocarpum

 Species
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 it’s 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.

Fakahatchee Strand

 Conservation
Feb 012011
 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Fakahatchee_Strand_Preserve.jpg/320px-Fakahatchee_Strand_Preserve.jpgThe 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.

Cattleya trianae

 Species
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.

Eria rosea

 Species
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.

Maxillaria picta

 Species
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.

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