I can use that excuse for 2020, but not for being AWOL second half of 2019. No excuses.
But now that I’m back, let’s get right into it: a followup to my ever so popular post “Must I Kill A Plant To Save One”. When we last left my orchids, I was performing an experiment: can I grow a second orchid by lopping off the top of my Vanda and getting it to flower?
I can report back now: the experiment was a success.
Voila. Above is the original, wildly growing plant now in gawjus bloom with two magnificent flowers. (I’m talking about the purple guy behind this other beauty.)
And here an offshoot - see what I did here - of the original FINALLY put out a flower. With some orchids, you need patience. I waited about 3 years for this to flower. I have another shoot that is being stubborn and is taking it’s good old time about it. Picture this one, sans bloom.
Speaking of taking your time I figure I waited about 5 years for this one to bloom:
These grow like weeds in cool, wet climes. Think of a back porch in San Francisco. You may recognize this Oncidium as the kind you see gracing giant hotel vases (bad syntax; the vases are giant, not the hotels).
The whole idea is to have something in bloom all the time. Whether it’s these guys or this Venus Slipper (took 4 years to bloom).
Or this Thanksgiving Cactus…
Which last year bloomed into May.. (The Xmas Cactus has leaves that are not rounded on their edges but have toothy spikes.)
I have alot more to share. Especially my new Covid hobby that is 3 days of time and 15 minutes of work - talk about patience:
Next time…if you keep it where it is.
Those flowers are beautiful! I can imagine your excitement when the blooms appeared after your patient care.