Violet's Distant Relatives

These are Violet's (see previous post) distant relatives, however, they vehemently object and deny any relationship--I think it's because they don't want to have any association with a family member who is a slut. Be that as it may, like Violet, they are paphiopedilum (slipper orchids) hybrids and their identities are also unknown. I bought these guys (and a whole mess of other goodies) from Geoffrey Beene's estate last fall. Geoffrey Beene was an avid orchid collector who had over 2,000 in his greenhouse. He passed away in September 2004 and his orchids were neglected since his death. I got them cheap since the tags had gotten lost and they could not be identitified since they were not blooming at the time. I brought them home and kept them under fluorescent lights in my basement, where it is about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of the house, and watered them once a week. Fast forward 3 months, and surprise, surprise...they bloomed, and yet they still can't be identified (by me any way). There are many orchid hybrids that look alike, some with only subtle differences, so it is not easy to identify them once the tag is lost. I am hoping some one can identify the paph in the top photo since it has unique mahogany streaking. These have been in bloom for 4 weeks and should last at least about 3 more. Mr. Beene had exceptional taste as evidenced by these two orchids that were in his collection. He would be pleased to know that his prized orchid collection survives and are well-cared for by the people who bought them. Most of them went to members of local orchid societies, like myself.

Violet: I'm Coming Out...I Want the World to Know...

Photos courtesy of Jay Lassiter.

My new pals Jay & Greg sent me pictures of their slutty orchid, Violet. It originates from Asia and is related to the North American Lady Slipper orchid (Cypripedium) and the South American Slipper Orchid (Phragmipedium). Although she is named "Violet" and affectionately referred to as "slutty" by her owners, it is a Paphiopedilum (or Paph.) hybrid. Specifically, it is a vinicolor Maudiae-type--meaning it has a burgundy-wine color and its shape is similar to Paph. Maudiae. Despite not knowing its true identity (other than being referred to as "Paph. Unknown," "Paph Hyrid," or "Violet the Slut"), it is a very pretty plant and deserves a spot in your home. I don't know about her reputation as a slut, so I would keep it away from the other plants, giving her a prominent spot of her own. It has a single flower that is approximately 2.5 to 3 inches and lasts for 4 to 6 weeks. It makes a magnificent display when the plant gets larger, forms clumps, and sends several flower spikes.

Hybrid paphs are easy to grow and are perfect for the home. They take African violet conditions (maybe this is how she got her name?), meaning average home temperature and light conditions (no direct sunlight). Keep it evenly moist but not soggy wet. Fertilize once a month using dilute (1/4 strength) solution. Violet seems very happy and well-cared for. Notice how straight the flower stalk is--and it's not even staked! She's got good flower size with nice shape, color, and form. Speaking of color, deep, dark purple (almost black) is favored among enthusiasts and orchid judges. So, one look at Violet, you can tell she's a high class slut. Great job raising Violet! If these two men can do a fantastic job with Violet, I am confident that will do an equally superb job raising a child if they choose to.

Everybody Ought To Have a Maid and a Restrepia

Free flowering, compact, easy to grow, and cute flowers. What more could you ask for in an orchid? Hard to imagine that this is an orchid, but it is. Restrepia brachypus hails from Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Colombia in wet montane forests. It prefers high humidity and intermediate to cool temperatures (52°F min. to 80°F max.) year round. Keep it evenly moist (3 to 5 waterings per week) and give it bright indirect light, i.e., no direct sunlight. Fertilize once a month at quarter strength. Too much fertilizer yields lush foliage with no flowers. A friend of mine grows hers in a unique way. She places the plant (potted in small clay pot) in a plastic bag with moist sphagnum moss to provide the humidity. This species can be propagated by leaf cuttings from a previously flowered leaf. Photo courtesy of Andy's Orchids.

Your Name in Chinese 取中文名字

People are fascinated by other languages and often want to know how their name would be written or pronounced. I found a site on the web that will generate a Chinese name and provide the written characters, pronunciation, its meaning, and your zodiac sign. You can choose the essence of your desired name, for example strength & power, mind & intelligence, or beauty & appearance. Give it a try here.

Blc. Mem. Anna Balmores 'Carmela'

This Cattleya hybrid is a croos between Blc. Mem. Robert Straight and Blc. Good News. This clone was created by and named after Carmela Orchids. It has large white 5-inch flowers with red lip and slight red flaring on petals. Carmela Orchids is one of my favorite orchid vendors.
This is a spectacular flower don't you think?