Orchids of August 2020

Being the end of winter, August tends to be a quieter month in the orchid garden. Nevertheless, a number of our plants, young and old, blossomed during the month, giving a lovely display of cold-season colour.

Phalaenopsis Hybrid No ID…

The first of our Phalaenopsis Orchids produced its initial blooms during July, but reached the pinnacle of its floral display during August. All of our Phalaenopsis orchids grow in a single room of the home: this room is north-east facing, but protected from all but early morning sun by a covering verandah. The Phallies thrive in this room, hiding behind a sheer curtain for added protection from burning sunrays.

This particular phally, a pink No Id Phalaenopsis, was purchased in bloom in May 2019. This, therefore, is its second blooming season, a season of 28 individual flowers on a single branched spike. A lovely display, indeed.

Oncidopsis Nelly Isler…

Known affectionately to us as ‘Nelly’, she was purchased in bloom in March this year. Since her purchase, Nelly has produced three new pseudobulbs through the autumn and winter, and has produced a second spike of glorious red blossoms. Clearly, she is very happy with her outdoor grow-environment on our verandah.

When in flower, Nelly is brought indoors. Not only does she possess very beautiful flowers, but also emits a delicious 'citrus' perfume.

Cymbidium Julie Hawkes ‘Teisha’…

‘Teisha’ was purchased at a local orchid show two years ago. She has grown slowly in her part-sun station under a large paperbark tree. This flowering was her first for us… and what a sight! Fourteen large yellow blooms opened during the month, and Teisha has spent most of the month on display inside our brightly-lit living room.

Please stay safely at home in these dangerous times. Wishing you hours of enjoyment and contentment in your garden…