A lonely flower finds a friend

Winner:

Can you guess my name or make me out from among the others? I am a
flower. A pretty rose which attracts everyone towards me.

As I am a flower, I live in a small garden in front of a large
palace. Before I came here, I was in a shop with my mum and dad. But,
unfortunately, I was removed from my birthplace and away from my parents
too, just a few minutes after my birth. When I was transferred from one
place to another, I felt so tired and sad too as I was alone and
helpless.

However, after a few days, some more flowers were brought into the
garden by the owner to make me happy and also to beautify his garden.
With the arrival of the other flowers, I felt so happy because I could
now find a friend or two to share my feelings, views and even knowledge.
But things did not work out as I expected. These new flowers did not
like to talk with me as they were multi-coloured and I was just one
plain colour. I was disheartened and cried a lot. I wondered about my
destiny. But I didn’t get fed up with life and controlled myself.

However, my creator showed me his kindness by letting a beautiful
rabbit to be my friend. I was very happy when the rabbit showed keenness
to be with me and talk to me without any differences. Oh!, You may
wonder how a flower can become a friend of an animal. Well, that is what
is called love, affection and kindness.

Now, I have a pretty friend to keep me company and share my worries.
If we have any problems we console each other.

Early in the morning, when I open my petals, my friend rabbit is the
first person I see. It talks with me until afternoon. When my owner
comes to the garden to water us he laughs at us but he admires our
strong friendship. Now I’m very happy with my best friend. But if we
should be separated one day, I always pray to god to give my friend the
rabbit a better friend than me. I know I am not going to last for long.
Perhaps, my friend also asks for the same thing, because otherwise he’ll
be lonely.

I live with my friend happily and joyfully. If you want to see me,
come to our beautiful garden. Then you can see a lovely flower and a
pretty rabbit living happily in a beautiful garden. You too can form a
beautiful friendship with another child or even an animal.

A. Fathima Shameela,

Grade 10 – E,

Al Azhar Central College,

Thihariya.

Devinuwara Perahera

Winner:

The Devinuwara Perahera is held in honour of God Vishnu who is
believed to be residing at Devinuwara. The Perahera has been held over
453 times as it was started at the time of King Parakramabahu IV.

I had the privilege of seeing all seven processions, including the
main perahera. The main procession was a spectacular event that I
watched very closely for over two and a half hours.

All roads were decorated colourfully with lights and flags. From time
to time, we saw fireworks in the sky during the procession. Boys and
girls in fancy dresses were dancing to the beat of drums.

Kaawadi was my favourite dance and I saw a small girl aged around
three years dancing in the Kaawadi troupe. The Kaawadi dancing was
colourful, and the music was live and energetic. I too danced to these
tunes while watching Kaawadi.

Beautifully dressed (caparisoned) elephants moved as if they were
dancing to the beat of the drums. The Nilame walking in the procession,
resembled an ancient king.

After the main procession the fair and carnival started. It lasted
seven days. I enjoyed buying toys and sweets at the fair.

On the final night, devotees of the god walked on fire. The next
morning, sweet rice porridge was distributed among people to mark the
end of the two week long festival.

I was very happy and busy during the whole perahera season.

Namamee Swaba Peiris,

Grade 3-B,

Buddhist College,

Matara.

My flower garden

My hobby is gardening. I spend most of my leisure time gardening. I
have a flower garden in front of my house, and I have raised a rare and
exotic collection of flowering plants. Some of them are orchids.com">orchids , roses
and gardenias. I water the plants once in two days, at least.

I love my flower garden very much.

Vasunthra Puvithar,

Grade – 2K,

BT/Paddiruppu M.M.V.

Water-a
valuable gift

Winner:

Can we survive without water? Oh! No. Nobody living on the Earth can
live without having even a drop of water for a day. Hence, water has
become one of the basic necessities of all living beings; not only
humans and animals, but also plants need water to survive. Can you
imagine how much of water is consumed daily by all organisms?

Two
third of the Earth’s surface is covered by this precious resource,
water. But unfortunately, we are able to utilise only a very little
amount of this water. But selfish humans are guilty of taking unlimited
benefits from this limited natural resource.

We obtain water from so many sources such as rivers, streams, lakes,
springs, ponds, wells and waterfalls to drink and also to do our
day-to-day activities such as cooking, cleaning, washing and bathing.
Water is also utilised as a major source to generate electricity. It is
also used as a cooling agent for vehicles. When we feel hot during the
day time, we need water to wash and refresh ourselves.

Despite its importance, humans who are selfish pollute water by
throwing litter and also releasing industrial waste into waterways.
Sometimes poisonous chemicals are released into water, destroying
innocent creatures living in the waterways.

The oceans too are polluted. Fuel is released into the ocean from
large ships, especially when there are accidents. These oil spills harm
marine life.

Because of man’s careless behaviour, this valuable resource will
become scarce in the near future.Many people misuse water resources not
only by polluting, but also by wasting it. Some people are not concerned
about others and use more water than they actually need to carry out
their daily chores. They leave taps running or do not repair leaking
pipes and taps.

Water is a very necessary resource to all of us. So, we must conserve
this valuable gift presented to us by our lovely Mother Nature. The only
thing we can do to express our gratitude to Mother Nature for all it
provides us is to protect it with love while utilising its resources,
thriftily.

Ashani Erandika Jayasundara,

Grade 10 – E (English Medium),

Royal National College, Moneragala.

My trip to Hambantota harbour

Winner:

On Sunday night my mother, my two little sisters and I were watching
T.V. when father said, “Tomorrow we are going to see the harbour, at
Hambantota. We were surprised but father asked us to get ready for the
trip.

The next day, we got up very early and left home in a cab. Since we
forgot to take a map, we stopped on the way and bought a route map of
Sri Lanka. Then my mother showed us the route that we were taking. It
was by the seaside. Oh, it was a real delight! We switched off the AC in
the cab and opened the shutters to enjoy the sea breeze.

After a seven hour journey, we arrived at Hambantota. It was about
two o’clock in the afternoon. As we had already had lunch at Tangalle,
we went straight to see the Hambantota harbour, expecting the place to
be crowded! Unlike on Sunday, the crowd on Monday was not much. We were
very happy as we could see the basin of the harbour clearly.

The Hambantota harbour is a marvellous creation in Asia. It will be
the largest inland harbour in Asia. As the future generation, we should
thank the government for giving us such a great creation.

Our trip was over soon. My sisters and I were very sad and I think my
father sensed it. He decided to take us to see the Hummanaya. It is the
only blowhole in Sri Lanka. It was a gorgeous gift from Mother Nature.

The sea waves come through the two rocks and gush out from the hole
at high speed. Sometimes it goes up to about twenty-five meters in
height. It happens continuously and I was amazed.

After seeing the Hummanaya we headed back home. It was a nice trip
which will remain in my mind forever. I realised the need to protect
these wonderful gifts after this trip. If I start doing so, others too
will follow. Then they will also protect these gifts of nature for the
future generation.

Uvini Edirisinghe

Grade 8 A,

Devi Balika Vidyalaya

Colombo 8.

1000 cities – 1000 lives!

Winner:

Good health is defined by different people in different ways. Some
think that good health is only physical fitness. They believe that if
people are physically fit, look good and are not over weight, they are
healthy.

Others think good health means not having any illnesses.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has a definition of health that
takes into account complete physical, mental and social health, not just
the absence of disease or sickness. Physical health mostly refers to the
condition of your body and how well your body is functioning.

Mental and social well-being is based on your self and how you get
along with the rest of the community. However, the basic requirements
for good health are the same all over the world. These requirements are
suitable shelter, diet, companionship, financial security and a healthy
environment.

Healthy choices can be easy choices. Because, when we choose anything
that promotes better health, it will be an easy choice, and it will also
be easy to find. That is why everyone says, “Better eating for better
health”.

This year the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted the theme “1000
cities – 1000 lives”. So from this theme we can come to a conclusion
that at least 1000 cities and 1000 lives should be healthy, to build a
brighter future.

Katheejathul Kubra Rafaideen,

Good Shepherd Convent, Kandy.

Article source: http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2010/09/05/jun03.asp

This year Ms Wandel has entered her under-10 sows. She’s been coming to the show since she helped her dad as a kid. In 1963 he started their large white piggery, Malley Grove Pig Stud in Blyth, which she now runs. He first exhibited at the show three years later.

“It was 100 years of pure-bred pig breeding exhibits last year, but pigs were out with swine flu,” Ms Wandel said.

Things are looking a lot healthier this year and Ms Wandel is also positive about the state’s rural outlook.

The show is a key indicator of the health of the rural economy, which is vital to SA.

Exports to other states and overseas from outside metropolitan Adelaide are worth many times the value of exports from the city.

“Prices for barley and wheat are good,” Ms Wandel said. “Prices have risen in the last month, which has helped a lot of people as long as we get more rain. But pig prices could be better.”

The show, which takes more than a year’s planning, is an important economic stimulator for the state.

Younger patrons are more attracted by flashing lights and show rides and this year, the ghost train is moving beyond classic scare tactics and going 3D. “Three-D is everywhere,” says sixth-generation showie Lew Osborn. “It’s adding another dimension to the traditional scare.”

Walk past the strong-arm game, and you’ll hear its owners give tips on how to win their giant gorillas. Music plays over the loudspeaker in the Goyder Pavilion. The Jenny Gillies Blooming Marvellous show is practising for its showcase performance – a fantasy of wearable flowers. Mannequins in Gillies designs of lemons and strawberries watch over the pavilion.

Les Nesbitt is more concerned with the live orchids.com">orchids blooming in front of him. He’s been an orchid judge for more than 30 years and started Nesbitt’s orchids.com">orchids in 1968. Breathing in the sweet aroma hanging in the air, he confesses he didn’t choose them.

“They chose me,” he said with a laugh. “They’ve got that scent, that aroma that just draws you in.”

The scent of orchids.com">orchids mixes with waft of Dagwood dogs and fairy floss, as clowns compete with dancers dressed in fruit. The show looks like beating its average of more than 500,000 patrons.

And Ms Wandel hopes those thousands will see her sows with a blue ribbon.

Article source: http://www.independentweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/showtime-folks/1931758.aspx?src=rss

VALLEY FFA AG NIGHT, 5-7 p.m., Valley High School Agriculture Department Shop, Gilcrest. Pit BBQ, corn, watermelon, potatoes and beans. Football admission with ag night ticket. Details: (970) 350-4260.

TWINKLE BABIES, 10:30 a.m., Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., Greeley. One-on-one storytime for adult caregivers and children from birth to new walkers. Details: (970) 506-8460.

HIGH PLAINS JOB NETWORK, 10:30 a.m., Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave.. Greeley. A club designed for the unemployed and underemployed to meet and learn new job hunting techniques and share their experiences. Details: (970) 506-8600.

FAMILY STORYTIME, 10:30 a.m., Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., Greeley. Details: (970) 506-8500.

FARR FILM DISCUSSION, 6:30 p.m., Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., Greeley. Watch a film about Apollo 13 and join guest speaker Stuart Wright, local businessman, member of the ARIA repair crews for Apollos 13, 14 and 15 and NASA enthusiast. Details: (970) 506-8500.

NORTHERN COLORADO ORCHID SOCIETY, 7:30 p.m., Greeley Senior Center Meeting Room 2, 1010 6th St., Greeley. Learn about how to take care of orchids.com">orchids in September and October. Details: (970) 352-4735 or orchids.com">orchids .com" target="_blank">www.happyhouseorchids.com">orchids .com.

GALLERY OPENING PHOTOGRAPHY/PAINTING, 5-7 p.m., Atlas Theater, 709 16th St., Greeley. Larissa Romero and Samuel Dong are presenting their work. Details: (970) 347-0788 rome1523@bears.unco.edu.

FIRST FRIDAY AT THE BEAN PLANT STUDIO, 5-7 p.m., The Bean Plant Studio, 701 7th St., Greeley. Self-portraits by Susan Smallwood Herold. Details: (970) 353-7663 or susanherold@earthlink.net.

FIRST FRIDAY EXHIBIT, 5-8:30 p.m., The Eden Gallery, 800 8th Ave., Ste. 317, Greeley. Free exhibit of clothing artistry by LK Castle, designer and painter. Details: (970) 356-7100 or elaine@tailoredadminsolutions.com.

Article source: http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20100903/NEWS/100909952/1002&parentprofile=1002

Oncidium

Oncidium species are characterised by the following properties : * presence of column wings * presence of a complicated callus on the lip (this can be used to separate the taxa). * pseudobulbs with one to three leaves. * several basal bracts at the base of the pseudobulbs.

The flowers of the Oncidium genus come in shades of yellow, red, white and pink. The petals are often ruffled on the edges, as is the lip. The lip is enormous, partially blocking the small petals and sepals. Some Oncidium orchids.com">orchids are very long : Oncidium altissimum and Oncidium baueri can grow to a height of 5 m, while Oncidium sarcodes can reach 3 m.

The genus Oncidium includes plants producing brightly coloured attractive flowers from plants which generally are highly adaptable to culture under a wide range of conditions. Oncidiums were one of the very first of the tropical epiphytic orchids.com">orchids introduced into European cultivation. They remain a popular and keenly sought after genus of orchids.com">orchids and require caring for like most other species. They are desirable and suitable for not only those who are just starting to diversify their collection of orchids.com">orchids from the cymbidiums which most people commence their orchid growing career with in New Zealand, but also for those who already have a more diversified collection.

Oncidium is a wonderful genus for orchidists since it contains sufficient numbers and in such a diversity of plant habit and floral features that a grower can spend a lifetime collecting all the variants and learning how to grow them. Numbering more than 750 species, oncidium orchids.com">orchids are distributed in South Florida, Mexico, the West Indies, Central and South America. Ranging from the lowlands to high elevations in the mountains, most species grow as ephiphytes on trees and rocks with a few being terrestrials.

Light needs of oncidiums can vary from bright to nearly full direct sun depending on the species. Most oncidium orchids.com">orchids will thrive with one to several hours of sun a day. Generally, thicker-leaved plants, such as “mule-ear” and “equitant” oncidiums, can stand more light.In a greenhouse, 20 to 60 percent shade is required, Water requirements of oncidiums vary with the type of plant. Generally, plants with large fleshy roots or leaves need less-frequent watering than thin-leaved or thin-rooted plants. Watering should be thorough, and the medium should dry at least halfway through the pot before watering again. This may be every two to 10 days depending on weather, pot size and material, type of orchid and type of potting medium. Plants not actively growing should be watered less.

Fertilize oncidiums regularly while plants are actively growing. If skies are cloudy, applications once a month are sufficient. Potting should be done when new growth is about one-half mature, which is usually in the spring. Oncidium orchids.com">orchids growing on bark will require rebarking at regular intervals, a plant can remain on a piece of bark or branch of a tree for several years, depending on the length of material. One advantage of bark culture is that there is hardly any disturbance to the plant and its entire root system can be left intact; there is no need of root trimming. Even roots slightly damaged during the rebarking operation can be left on the plant. Exposed to the air they will simply heal themselves and continue to grow.
Recommended

]]> http://www.growingandcaringfororchids.com/cymbidiums-what-they-look-like/feed/ 0 http://www.growingandcaringfororchids.com/re-potting-orchids/ http://www.growingandcaringfororchids.com/re-potting-orchids/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:23:57 +0000 Derek http://www.growingandcaringfororchids.com/?p=200 orchids.com">orchids .com/growingandcaringfororchids.com">orchids /wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2bb9dea53f33ec1a-300x223.jpg" alt="Repotting an Orchid" width="300" height="223" />

Repotting an Orchid

Do take the time to learn to repot orchids.com">orchids . They don’t develop in dust! We love to repot orchids.com">orchids , to look at them slowly and revel in their new roots. orchids.com">orchids resent being left in the identical media forever. Do your self a favor and pick a media that suits your environment and your habits. In case you like to water your plants, put them in a medium that drys out quickly. If you do not have alot of time for watering, do the opposite. Work out what works for you. The plants will inform you when they’re happy. There are few exhausting & mounted guidelines and that’s exhausting for learners with only a few plants. Don’t let that cease you. In the event you acquire a few plants you’ll probably buy ones in bark, moss, rock, peat moss, etc. See which medium works best for you in your circumstances and begin to transition related vegetation into the identical mix. Repotting when the plant is in energetic progress helps it to reestablish itself very quickly. Still, the crops might sulk a bit when you change media and repot but don’t let that fear you, loosen up and they’ll probably recuperate, by & large they are fairly tough. If you take the time to study to repot your orchids.com">orchids they’ll reward you
with years of enjoyment and blooms. Repotting orchids.com">orchids is absolutely fairly straightforward and fun. With minimal preparation and a few fundamental steps, you may provide your prized plants with the atmosphere they need to thrive.

orchids.com">orchids can not stay in the identical combine ceaselessly, actually, depending on the sort and age of the plant an orchid needs to be repotted every 6 months to 3 years. Youthful crops and Paphiopedilums require extra frequent repotting, older plants will do happy with less. Once you buy a new plant it could have been in the identical medium for a long time already. An excellent rule of thumb is to repot a new orchid as soon as sensible after it is purchased. Usually this implies when it goes out of bloom. orchids.com">orchids must be repotted before their media breaks down and smothers the roots. orchids.com">orchids do not grow in pots in the wild, they’re in pots for our convenience so we have to do our best to make it a positive environment. Without well timed repotting an orchid will slowly decline with its growth price and flower count reducing.

orchids.com">orchids are best repotted when they’re in active growth. orchids.com">orchids are often in active progress shortly after blooming  when they ship out new shoots and/or leaves and new roots start to form. Ideally, repotting is best achieved while the brand new roots are less than a number of inches long. Repotting at this time will enable the plant to settle into the new media quickly. The best time to repot an orchid varies from one type to the next. Most Phalaenopsis are very forgiving and will be repotted just about any time they don’t seem to be in bloom. On the other extreme, Dendrobiums desire to be repotted solely as new growth appears. There’ll always be cases when an orchid have to be repotted immediately (for example if the pot breaks, or the media is severely decomposed) in which case be as light as you can. The objective is to reduce harm to the roots, especially the new, young ones.

I recommend:

orchids.com">orchids needtoknow" src="http://growingandcaringfororchids.com">orchids .com/growingandcaringfororchids.com">orchids /wp-content/uploads/2010/06/orchids.com">orchids needtoknow4-231x300.jpg" alt="orchids.com">orchids : Everything you Need to Know" width="231" height="300" />

orchids

A Ghost Orchid

The first Ghost Orchid was discovered in Cuba in 1844 by a Belgian named Jean Jules Linden. The Ghost Orchid is native to Cuba and the West Indies – in particular the Bahamas, but it is also found throughout Southern Florida in State Reserves such as the Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Biologists believe seeds from ghost orchids.com">orchids and other tropical plants in South and Central America were carried across the ocean by air currents and migrating birds until they reached Florida. Within the U.S., the ghost orchid does not exist outside south Florida. Other common names include Palm Polly and White Frog Orchid.

The Ghost Orchid is an exceptional monocot, as it lacks a stem and the leaves have been reduced to scales. It consists only of flat, cord-like, green roots. The roots of the Ghost Orchid are used for moisture absorption and their chloroplasts for photosynthesis. The outer layer, the velamen, takes care of acquiring the nutrients and the water uptake. It also protects the inner layers.

This Ghost Orchid blossoms between June and August, Ghost orchid flowers are breathtakingly beautiful. Orchid flowers are divided into 6 visible sections, 3 sepals and 3 petals, however it is the third petal where most of the action takes place. It is highly modified, and unfailingly different from the remaining 2 petals, so much so that it has its own name – the labellum. In the case of the ghost orchid, the sepals and 2 petals are straight and gently tapering – about 2 inches long. The labellum however, is comparatively enormous. It branches out in a triangular shape, roughly 1 inch wide at the base, and 1 inch high. Protruding from each side of the base of the triangle are two thin, spiraling attachments. The entire flower can grow up to 5 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide. It is a ghostly, beguiling shade of white – providing the plant with its most common name. The twisting extensions to the labellum also resemble the legs of a leaping frog – leading to another of its common names, the frog orchid. Since the roots of the Ghost Orchidd blend so well with the tree, the flower often seems to be floating in midair, hence its name of “Ghost Orchid”. The ghost orchid’s appearance is quite unusual in that it resembles a flying white frog. The stunning, stark-white blooms appear to float in the middle of the Fakahatchee Forest. When the wind blows, the frog-like orchids.com">orchids seem to come alive and dance alongside the trees.

All attempts to cultivate the ghost orchid have been unsuccessful. Aside from its rarity, the ghost orchid is unique in that it does not grow in soil, as do conventional plants. It is a species of leafless orchid that grows on trees. Exposed to the elements, the flat, green roots are no thicker than a pencil and wrap themselves around a tree.

The ghost orchid blooms just once a year, typically in June, July and August. While the orchid is in bloom, Florida’s largest moth, the giant sphinx, pollinates the flower. This moth is vital to the survival of the ghost orchid because it is believed to be thensect with a proboscis long enough to pollinate the ghost orchid. The moth’s soda-straw proboscis is a perfect fit for the flower’s four-to six-inch spur-nectary, which is located at the end of the orchid’s bottom spur.

I recommend:

orchids.com">orchids .com/growingandcaringfororchids.com">orchids /wp-content/uploads/2010/06/orchids.com">orchids needtoknow3.jpg">orchids.com">orchids needtoknow" src="http://growingandcaringfororchids.com">orchids .com/growingandcaringfororchids.com">orchids /wp-content/uploads/2010/06/orchids.com">orchids needtoknow3-231x300.jpg" alt="orchids.com">orchids : what You Need to Know" width="231" height="300" />

orchids.com">orchids are well-known for the interesting beauty and unusual varieties but they are also loved for their wonderful fragrance. Whether used in corsages, bouquets or planted right in your garden, orchids.com">orchids have a wonderful scent that can sue the savage beast. There are many orchids.com">orchids that have marvelous smells but here is a list of some of the most fragrant orchids.com">orchids on the market today.

Aerangis:- These are smaller sized orchids.com">orchids that are very fragrant in the evening hours.

Aerides:- These tall lanky orchids.com">orchids can have good fragrance that need to be careful because some of them do not.

Ancistrochilum Rothschildianum:- This is a small species that is deciduous during winter.

Brassia:- Not only smells good but it is striking to with its large spiderlike flowers.

Brassidium:- These brassia hybrids are nicely scented and very popular today

Brassocattleyas:- A cross between cattleya and barcarole, these files can be very strongly scented.

Catasetum:- This large deciduous plant bears male or female flowers and has many species that are quite fragrant concluding the tenebrosum and pileatum. There are also many popular hybrids that are very fragrant as well.

Cattleya:- The most fragrant species this orchid can be iricolor, bicolor, dowiana, labiata, maxima, schilleriana, warscewiczii and mossiae. Some of the hybrids can be intensely fragrant.

Clowesia:- These orchids.com">orchids lose their leaves during the winter time and have many species which are scented.

Dendrobium:- A popular genus of orchid having tall canes which those leaves in winter. Most of this species of orchid or scented and you might recognize some of the more popular ones which include monoliforme, speciosum, nobile, kingianum, loddigesii and parishii.

Dendrochilum:- These orchids.com">orchids have chains of tiny flowersand many of the species assented including the magnum, glumacaeum and cobbianum.

Gongora:- These small and highly fragrant species can be rather short-lived.

Haraella Odorata:- These of a popular miniature orchids.com">orchids which are very fragrant.

Sedirea Japonica:- Cultivated in Japan these orchids.com">orchids can be on the small side and rather long but are highly fragrant.

Vanda:- These orchids.com">orchids are harder to grow in northern regions and a big long a real roots. The smaller scented species include suavis, denisonia, cristata and tessellata.

Zygopetalum:- Consisting of complex hybrids the species are highly scented with wonderful fragrance.

I recommend:

orchids.com">orchids needtoknow" src="http://growingandcaringfororchids.com">orchids .com/growingandcaringfororchids.com">orchids /wp-content/uploads/2010/06/orchids.com">orchids needtoknow4-231x300.jpg" alt="orchids.com">orchids : Everything you Need to Know" width="231" height="300" /> ]]> http://www.growingandcaringfororchids.com/fragrant-orchids-2/feed/ 0 http://www.growingandcaringfororchids.com/black-orchids/ http://www.growingandcaringfororchids.com/black-orchids/#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:49:36 +0000 Derek http://growingandcaringfororchids.com/black-orchids/ orchids.com">orchids .com/growingandcaringfororchids.com">orchids /wp-content/uploads/2010/06/black-orchid3.jpg" alt="The Black Orchid" width="165" height="196" />

The Black Orchid

Do they really exist? Where is the black orchid? These questions and others have on orchid hobbyists minds for centuries.

Orchid growers and hobbyists have been trying to grow this orchid for a very long time. They have tried many different orchid plants and hybrid varieties to get to this orchid.

There seems to have been a fascination for black anything. You have people striving for black gladiolus, black canna- lillies and yes even black corn. (I’m not sure if they ever got the black corn.)

There are many other references to “black orchid” in detective mysteries, in names of clubs and restaurants as well as on the stage. In fact, go on to Amazon and look at the book “Black Orchid” by Dave McKean.

As far as I can judge from the reviews growers were close but still didn’t accomplish what their goal was. Some of the orchids.com">orchids that do come close include the Laelicattleya Lc Mem. Robert Strait “Blue Hawaii” which has a black lip.

The Vanda David Gardner #1 has purplish areas under black speckles. There is a black tongued orchid, the Epigeneium amplum. Another example is the Liparis nervosa, a Japanese version of this orchid plant but when you look at it you can seen it is not really black.

There are still a lot of misconceptions about orchids.com">orchids . Some of the myths that still persist include that orchids.com">orchids are difficult to grow. This can’t be further from the truth. In fact today orchids.com">orchids like the phalaenopsis or cattleyas are very easy to grow.

Another misconception is that all orchids.com">orchids need to grow in a greenhouse. Once again, some of the best places for orchid plants is in the home where there is bright light. Some of the orchids.com">orchids do well near a West facing window.

It seems that all the hard work by hybridization specialists still have been alluded them and the orchid has not really been developed. It remains a hope for any grower or hobbyist to get the crown that says, “I did it”.

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William Cattley of Barnet, England, is credited with blooming the first Cattleya orchid in Europe in 1818, and Cattleya orchids.com">orchids are named after him. Legend has it that his first Cattleya orchid plants were actually used as packing material for other plants, and that he potted them up out of curiosity. One of the Cattleya orchids.com">orchids bloomed, and it started his life-long obsession with collecting and cataloging the Cattleya orchid species.

Cattleya orchids.com">orchids can be hard grown. Cattleya orchids.com">orchids (and other orchid species) that have been hard grown will have bigger, brighter, sturdier blooms and the inflorescence will be stronger and not require staking. Hard grown means that the orchid plant was not babied in any way. Temperatures were allowed to be above the maximum and below the minimum. The orchid plants are given outside conditions to toughen them up, and all of the orchid fertilizer they can handle. This makes them able to withstand extremes, and it shows up in the orchid blooms. Unlike the orchid plants you normally are offered, these Cattleya orchids.com">orchids have very sturdy leaves. Bright light to some sun must be given to the plants, but no direct sun in the middle of the day. This means an east or west window in the home, and 30% to 50% of full sun in a greenhouse . Leaves should be a medium green color.

Temperature ranges from 48 degrees in the winter to over 95 in the summer. The orchid plants are open to the environment and thus can tolerate the temperature range. More orchids.com">orchids are killed by over watering than from lack of water. Mature Cattleya orchids.com">orchids need to dry out thoroughly before being watered again. In winter I water once a week., in summer twice a week. In both May and September, use a bamboo skewer to check before watering. Pick an average pot, push a dry bamboo skewer into the middle, and let it set for 10 seconds. pull it out and touch your cheek with it. If the skewer is cool to the touch, wait a day before watering. Cattleyas need 50 % to 80 % relative humidity. This can be provided in the home by placing the plants on trays of gravel, partially filled with water so that the plants stand above the water. Misting the plants in the morning only is helpful in dry climates.

When in active growth, plants need fertilizer every two weeks, and when not growing, once a month. Fertilizer can also be applied with every watering at 1/4 recommended dilution. Thorough flushing with clear water every month is recommended to prevent buildup of fertilizer salts.

Potting is necessary when 1) the rhizome of the plants protrudes over the edge of the pot, or 2) the potting medium starts to break down and drain poorly (usually after 2 to 3 years). It is best to repot 1) just before new roots sprout from the rhizome, 2) after flowering, or 3) in the springtime.

Cattleyas are usually potted in medium-grade potting material, with seedlings in fine-grade. Until a plant has six mature pseudobulbs, it generally should be put into a larger pot and not divided. If dividing a plant 3 to 5 bulbs per division are required. Select a pot that will allow for 2 to 3 years of growth before crowding the pot. Place a small cone of potting material in the bottom of the pot, cut off any rotten roots, and spread the firm, live roots over the cone. Fill the pot with medium, working it in the roots. They should be potted in a porous, free-draining medium. Keep out of cold, dry air while in bloom. Pack firmly; stake if necessary. Keep the plant humid, shaded, and dry at the roots for a while to promote new root growth. When the last flower drops, cut your flower spike all the way down the stem. Apply a pinch of cinnamon powder or melted candle to seal the wound. Continue caring for it and wait for a possible rebloom.