Divide and Conquer

This orchid is part of the Cattleya family also known as LAELIOCATTLEYA but smaller.  The plant grew quite large, roots out of the pot so Jim divided into 7 plants.  One has re-bloomed, the other had a bloom but died, (much to my sorrow - as I hate losing any orchids).  Another has a bloom coming, not quite sure of the rest.  Hopefully they will all recover as re-potting orchids is touch and go - we are novices, so just winging it.
I shall make every effort to decorate with the orchids for Christmas.  Saying that I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and happy new year.

December Orchids

This is a re-bloom color spectacular.

Finding the orchid name

A couple of weeks ago I put in a picture of a beautiful hanging orchid.  Did not know the name and tried to find it from a couple of nurseries.  When all else failed, I started looking at books on Orchids and low and behold I came across the name.

It is called Saccolabium Kotoense.  How can I remember it when I can not even pronounce it.

Re-growth

Here is an orchid I thought had had it as it was so large that it had to be divided into 4 different pots.
I really thought this was the end of the lot on this particular orchid,  which is part of the Cattleya family, only in miniature.  The second pot had a bloom but it did not give birth.  As many times as I get blooms, when I lose one, I am so sad for the day.  People say it is difficult to go orchids, but believe me, everyone has a spot in their house that is perfect for growing orchids.   The deal is do not be afraid.  Just watch out for the bugs/

My kingdom for a Greenhouse

You might have been wondering why my blog has been so dis-joined, well I have had computer problems, now I have to learn a new system, which I hope will make my life easier, so far, "no"
But I digress.
This is a beautiful orchid in my friend's green house.  I do not know the name of the orchid, but I had one as well, only mine died, but my friend's in his green house has been spectacular.  I think I better win a lottery so that I can build this green house.
Open to suggestions.

Tis the Season

This time of year orchids should spike.  I have about 7 orchids in spike - I am hoping that they will bloom for Thanksgiving. 
Having company is a joy and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and keeping fingers crossed that these orchids will bloom.  I need in all the guest rooms.
I really do not know what is going to bloom, but I did notice that one of the large orchids that was repotted by Jim has spikes - Can not wait to see what comes up.

Orchids at Farmers Market.

Visiting L.A. at the Farmers market even a small coffee shop had a beautiful orchids.
My sister has orchids she pays no attention to, and low and behold it blooms.
Everywhere you go in L.A. some shop is displaying orchids.  It is such a pleasure to see this.

This is a Pansy orchid that is really beautiful.  This was one of the more difficult ones to grow but patience is a virtue.
More to come.

Fall Orchids

This is a picture taken this morning. It is the Dendrobium family.  It is a beautiful white orchid which I hope lasts for Thanksgiving.  Fingers crossed.
I know I have been negligent and have not blogged in a bit, but promise to catch up.
Once I returned from L.A. went off again and then had company (which I loved) in the midst was the Furniture Market.
More to come.,

My Leopard Orchid

Orchids in Los Angeles

I have been in L.A. , these past few weeks and the  abundance of orchids have been staggering.
I keep reminding myself this is the perfect climate for orchids.
At my sister's house I found an orchid about to bloom with no real care given.  I questioned this but the answer was "it just grew" I brought it into the house so we could enjoy for the new Year and the balance of the Holidays.
Before I leave I will take a picture and post it in the next few days.
Every where you go, especially in the higer end stores in Beverly Hills, stores display beautiful arrangements of orchids.  I did not realize how popular they had become.  But please do not ever buy the ones the growers suddenly have decided to dye - that is disgusting and from beauty it goes to ugly.

Orchids in August

My new orchid in August - I have a few more to put up.  Was in New York, did not see a varity of orchids like I have - I wonder why? people should not be afraid of growing orchids, it is really easy, all you have to do is prevent the mealy bugs

Suggesting orchids

New York is a great place for shopping you can get everything.  One thing I did find Wes there were a lack of orchid varieties in the flower shops, not quite sure why.  In North Carolina even the Lowes and Home Depot  have many more varieties.
It seems every time I am at a florist there is someone buying orchids.  Never shy to give advise, I tell them what they should look for and how to take care of them.  Not that I am an expert, but 18 years of growing orchids gives me a certain right.
Actually it was because of my interfering with customers that started my whole blog experience.
Every time this happened, my niece would say, "start a blog" heck I just wanted to part the knowledge I gained and trying to save people who love orchids, the same pit falls.
So now is blogging.
My last picture was an orchid I bought from Lows for $14.00 not bad, now we have five of them.
Can not remember the name of the or hid but will research and let you know on the next blog

Name of my new loom

I posted a picture of my newest bloom ,unfortunately, I can not find the tag, so i am I search of the name.
Will advise

Newest Bloom

Revival of orchid.

This orchid was dead or so I thought.  Jim told me to be patient, but that is not a strong point of mine.  I would look at it all the time and think he was mad.  One day I saw a shoot, and thought "Oh God" he is not so--------mad, it was me, "no patience Joyce"  Luck for me I had to go away on business, and when I returned the picture is what I found blooming.  It has been blooming for 3 weeks now.  It is a beautiful dendrobium, color of light citrus green with purple in the middle.  I tried to show you all the orchids that are now in bloom, unfortunately, I am doing something wrong and my lovely computer will not help me out, so you will get to see them one at a time.
I have 5 beautiful orchids in bloom.

Rebloom of Orchid

Here are some orchids that have rebloomed - thought this one would not bloom again this year for me.  This is really exciting.

Orchids in New York

Just returned from New York.  Great city, lovely places to dine, shop, etc.  I am happy to report that Phalaenopsis (pop corn orchids) are very prevalent.  Actually surprised that I do not see more varieties as I think people in New York would buy them fast.  Most of the colors you see are a beautiful white.
I decided to buy my friend one for the wonderful hospitality given to me.  I found a Phalanenopsis and paid, more that I pay in North Carolina or L.A., but what do you expect this is New York, everything is more expensive.  In fairness, this was beautiful.  I took it home to her with a lot of love and instructions for the care.  Watch out for the bugs, do not water it more than once a week.  Make sure the roots are not in the water.
The next day, her house-keeper came and was delighted to see the orchid.  I was really happy.  I came back the end of the day, and found the orchid broken in half, with most of the blooms on the broken stem, leaving one bloom on the main plant.  I was heart broken.  But what to do, this is life.  So we made the best of it, put the broken stem in a vase. I am hoping  that the beautiful orchid will give her blooms again.
I was just sorry, I did not take a before or after picture, but who knew.
More pictures to come.

Orchids in L.A.

Visiting my family in L.A. is always great.  I pushed orchids on all of them.  This has come back to bite me as I look and see the lovely orchids blooming without any extra care or work.
My sister Ethel has some beautiful Cymbidums that always seem to be in bloom and in vases in their house.
In questioning her as to what makes them so happy, the response was "ask the gardner".  The gardner told me, "he does not know just waters it once a week.
The moral to this story is when you live in perfect semi-tropical climate, you do have to do anything just enjoy the blooms.  Talk about being envious of that I AM.  I must tell you I do not have an envious bone in my body.  But this made envy raise its ugly head.
I am off on business to New York, will let you know what I find.

Lessons of Life

My entire family lives in L.A. so every opportunity I get I go.  One Christmas Season, we were visitng and was invited to my niece's frineds parent's house in pish pinsh, posh posh, Brentwood.  That area is beautiful, not far from Malibu or any of the other pish, posh areas of L.A. like Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, etc.
These lovely U.C.L.A. professors have this house up on a hill in Brentwood so I suggested, what could be better than to buy them a blooming Cym bidium, it was a lovely light green with toches of yellow.  I was so proud of my pick.
We were invited to tea, what do you expect from Professors, how totally sophicticated.  We gave them the Cymbidum which they graciously accepted.  After tea, they took us on a tour of their big, beautiful back yard, and to my embarrassment, the entire house was surrounded by Cymbidiums in every color you can imagine.
What did I expect, did I think I was the only one into orchids.  Lesson of life, find out what people like or want before buying them what they already have.

A Tree Grows in No. Carolina

Living in a home is different from Living in a rented space.  First of all, the responsibility of the house you own is yours.  Anything that needs done, you better make it happen, otherwise it will fall to disrepair.  Now, the outside of the house needs painting, we hired a painter, who became a memeber of the house hold.
I had (notice the word HAD) a dendrobium that refused to do anything the first couple of years.  I would speak sweetly, yell, do everthing to make it spike and grow, but it did nothing.  Suddenly, after many years, it started blooming and was beautiful.  In fact it became a tree which surprised all of us.  In fact, a friend who knows so much about orchids was amazed.  But back to my story.
So the painter started painting, now, mind you this is the Summer so all the orchids were outside.  We were lazy and did move the orchids from the wall of the house, thought it would be just fine.  The painter put a plastic cover over the orchids for protection.  I can tell you that was not enough.  The job was finished so I went to check on the orchids and to my surprise the tree in now the size of a small plant.  All the branches broke - I was heart broken - I am starting all over again to produce the tree. 
I am happy to report, I will have my first BlOOM from the disaster.  Once it blooms, I will take a picture and post it.  WishI had taken the picture of the tree.

Simply Orchids

Working in New York, I met my new assistant, (I still live in No. Carolina) and the subject got around to orchids.  She too, is an avid orchid aficionado. Well one day she called and said she was going to orders some orchids from an orchid farm, and would I like her to get me some different varities.  I jumped on the chance.  Orchid farms, I did not know there were so many all over the U.S.
The orchids came, they were beautiful, so many varities, and of course, I was $400.00 poorer.  It was well worth it.  Could not wait to see them bloom.  I still have many of the original orchids she sent.  (10 years) later.  I must confess, I am just as impatient when they spike to see them bloom.  It is the law of averages, when you want them to be in bloom, they become bashful.
My next adventure was to find more orchids farms, and I did.  I started dealing with the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate in Santa Barbara, California.  You should just see the way, they are shipped.  You would think it was the most valuable china in the world.  The orchids arrive in perfect condition.  My new project was to give out orchids as presents.

On The Road Again

As Export manager, my job took me not only to other countries, but I had to handle trade shows.  Now I am in Florida for a show  - where better to find orchids - My signature has been beautiful orchids to catch the eye of the buyer.
I found some beauties, placed them in a prominent place in the booth - this caught the attention of the buyers who stopped and said " what beautiful orchids" this opened up conversation, the next thing you know they are veiwing fabrics and expressing interest.  You have to keep a fine balance so that the orchids do not distract from the purpose of selling your products.
The show is over I am going to carry the orchids from Miami to Winston-Salem, No. Carolina.  Miami is a really busy airport, but the orchids are close to me.  As I was checking in, the gate attendant told me I could not take the orchids on board.  I was horrified, I was not going to let that stop me so I found a cute guy and convinced him to help me.  We got on together, with the orchids between us getting on as fast as possible, finding the seats and quickly putting each one under the seat. 
Happy to say, I was successful.  We traveled back to Winston-Salem with the orchids and my new best friend intow.  Jim greeted me at the airport, took the orchids from my new best friend, who by the way, I had invited to dinner.  Jim said "not surprised as you have never met a stranger in your life.
Unfortunately, these friendships do not last, but the orchids survived still giving me beautiful blooms.

Visit to North Carolina

My trips around the world not only taught me about orchids, but helped me pick up small bottles of vodka from the airline, that came in handy.
My niece, who I am very close to, came to visit.  After a fun day of eating, talking drinking wine,  she asked if I was O.K.  This was a strange question, but I said "yes, why are you asking" the retort was maybe I was a bit depressed? which I confess, leaving L.A., family, friends I had my moments here of feeling utterly hopeless.  In fact, for many years, I had a one-way ticket back to L.A. in my night stand.
I asked Stephanie why she thought I was depressed and she answered " I see all these little bottles of vodka half empty around the house.
You can imagine, I started laughing.  I told her they were for the orchids.  Really? yes.  You see orchids tend to attract meely bugs.  They look like flecks of snow on the flower and leaves.  Once meely bugs attack, you  have to take care of them because they sap the life out of the orchid.  I showed Stephanie a cotton swab that I dipped into the vodka bottle and cleaned the orchid with it.  Maybe the orchids enjoyed the drink because the meely bugs were not there after the touch of vodka.  I had these bottles around the house because I was lazy to go to the cabinet and bring it out everytime I needed to clean the orchids. 
I was able to start Stephanie on growing orchids,  we still use this method.

Living in Winter Wonderland?

My first Winter in No. Carolina was an experience.  I knew it would be cold but did not expect it to be so------------------------------cold.  I am not sure what I expected, but after So. California? what was I crazy?
It was early November and in comes Jim carrying a few of my orchids? "what are you doing" says I.  Orchids have to come in says he or they will freeze? I did not even consider this issue, as my experience, living in So. California was leave orchids out, pay some attention, do not water them too much and they bloom.
But I am not living in So. California anymore, so comprise had to be made and all 50 orchids, pots and all, had to come in.  This house looked like a jungle.
To keep the humidity high, Jim suggested, if the mood hit me, to spritz them twice a day.  That lasted one week and I cut it down to once a day.  It was really quite a job.
In cold climates, orchids tend to bloom in the winter mostly, that is not to say you can not have some bloom in the summer.  I presently have one that is about to bloom, which I shall post once in full bloom.
A sight to behold was orchids blooming in the house, with snow outside.  That was my winter wonderland

Living In No. Carolina

I arrived in No. Carolina in August.  Was it hot ... So. California was never like this.  Too hot to go out, but the orchids were loving it.
My cousins were coming to visit from London so I went looking for orchids in the area.  (I was till very very new so did not know where to go.)  I wanted a beautiful orchid for their room, so I found a place that had a lovely white Cattleya, which, believe it or not, I still have. Over the years, Jim has divided it giving me many more of this variety. Jim told me that one has to divide orchids when they get to big for the pot.  I just assumed they would be the same every year just giving me blooms.  How silly of me, everything grows, that is the way orchids or plants multiply.
My sister and her husband thought they would surprise my cousin, so they came to visit as well.  The hunt went on for more orchids.
I wanted every room and bathroom to have beautiful orchids, but that was expensive.  This one orchid was as expensive as the flower shop in Beverly Hills.
I was so happy when my family arrived, enjoying the orchids with us.

Decisions

After travelling the world as export manager, and looking for orchids, the company that I was associated with insisted I move out of Southern California to North Carolina.  I was besides myself.  What was I going to do and how was I going to leave family and beautiful So California. 
I discussed this with Jim, who was a very good friend at the time, and said "what am I going to do?" I have no one in No. Carolina, just business friends and where would I live.  He promptly suggested we build a house together and I said "O.K." I thought I could stall, but pressure was mounting.  So as not to lose my position, I decided to move lock ... stock and orchids.  Other plants I gave away, but orchids were my babies, and I was going to take them.  The percentage of the orchids surviving in a closed moving van cross country was really slim.  Keeping fingers crossed.
The house was ready, so the fatal day arrived for me to leave.  Was I sad, yes, still could not believe I was making this move.  Five days later, the moving van arrived - the first thing I looked for were the orchids.
Happy to report they all made it.  In fact, I still have most of the original ones.  I was worried they needed water, but Jim told me not to worry, orchids do not need water except once a week and depending on the heat, maybe every 10 days.

Re-blooms

another orchid that bloomed in January 2013 without a green house.  Took a great deal of patience which I do not have.

Rebloom orchids

These are some orchids that have re-bloomed for us without a green house.

Orchids in Brussels

I travelled a great deal with my position as Export manager for Textile mills in the United States and one of the job description's was to set up the stand at trade fairs.  I think I drove the hotel in Brussels which was the beautiful Amigo (previously a prison) in the heart of the Gran Plaz, mad.   I had my own personal support system from the hotel that helped me hunt orchids down.  I was not going to decorate for a trad fair without my orchids.
Finally, after much searching, we went to an area that had the most beautiful furniture, in one of the shops was a pot of Cymbidiums - they were the coolest green with hues of yellow.  I asked if I could buy it, but the nice store owner said an emphatic "no".  Not one to take that for an answer, my next request was can I rent is for the show.  After convincing him that I would guard it with my life, he agreed.  Needless to say I had a couple of sleepless nights worrying about the orchid.  The orchid was a show stopper, enabling me to meet more customers and make new friends. 
I must tell you it broke my heart to return this beautiful orchid, but I promised.

Travelling through Orchid Land

The Far East is a haven for orchids of all kinds.  Varieties are unbelievable.  Orchids that you will not see anywhere else.  Of course I have not travelled extensively through Central or South America so really can not judge.  But The Far East is impressive. 
I was in Singapore working for a week when at dinner this nice American came up to me and asked me to join him.  Oc fourse one of the many topics were Orchids. At that point he invited me to join him to "see orchids" in beautiful Penang, Java, Phuket.  We could travel for a week and really enjoiy the sights.  I was tempted, and was thinking about it.  If I did this, would Jim mind? surely not, not doing anything wrong.  Just travelling with another person.  By the time we were ready to leave I lost my nerve and did not go. So I stayed in Singapore and found out more about orchids.
I noticed roots hanging out of pots and asked about it.  Yes, roots can be out of pots, orchids like the air.  You can tell if the orchid is healthy by looking at the root.  If the roots are solid and green they are good.
Many a time, I had orchids where the roots did not look healty and tried to nuture them with no luck.

Travelling with orchids

Re-Bloom phalaenopsis My next stop was Bangkok where I stayed with a wonderful customer in their home.  Looking up I saw this tree with orchids on it.  I asked how did it get there, they told me it grew natually.  Did you know that orchids are parasites.  What a beautiful parasite to have.
My next stop was Singapore - Oh the orchids, so I found a driver who took me to some beautiful orchids farms where the orchids were just as tall as me.  (I am not very tall).  As a reward I suggested we have tea at the Raffels Hotel.  He said he would not be allowed.  I told him"don't you bet on it" no one is going to stop me and we had a wonderful tea.

World with orchids

Rebloom Cattleya

I was in Jakarta on one of my trips and was staying at the Shangri La Hotel - at the entrance was a red carpet and a row on either side of the entrance with orchids.  I thought "how do they know" but I was told by the nice porter, this was not for me .... too bad ... but Mrs. Margaret Thacher was visiting Jakarta.  Unfortunately, I was not an invited guest to meet her.  Did you know that she loved orchids?
While in Jakarta I was going to dinner to my textile agent's home.  On the way to their house I saw many flower stalls on the side of the street with all kinds of orchids.  I suggested we stop so I could buy them one.  I was shocked, the price for a beautiful Cattleya was all of $2.00 - imagine my bewilderment, how could they be so cheap.  My hostess started bargaining with the flower seller and I told her "let me give him the money it is so cheap." she would not hear of it.  His price was just too high.  I was sick. 
The good news was that I started her on orchids which she just took for granted.

Pushing orchids

I have been very busy this week as the Furniture Market is on in High, High Point (as I call it) in No. Carolina but I have a bit of time to continue my saga.
I was so enjoying my orchids and the work it was saving me that I started pushing orchids on to other members of my family, who suddendly decided it was their idea.  I did not care as long as we were all getting the enjoyment.  I was now being asked for advise although, "it was not my idea".  We started giving each other orchids for special occasions, and I can tell you orchids made any room sophisticated and elegant.  However, I do not think it would go with Country style or Lodge.-have not tried with that style as it is DEFINITELY not my look.
At this time, I started travelling the world for business which took me to the Far East.  I remeber being at the airports in Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Hong Kong and could not believe the orchids that were displayed in the walk-ways to the baggage claim area.  I thought "wow" this must be the area to buy them - did not realize there were so many---------------varities.  Thought I am going to beat the system and add some of the unusual orchids to my collection.  I did not get very far.  Too much paper-work and not enough time.

Findling Orchids

Prior to Jim I met another wonderful man from New Zealand, how we met is another long story but safe to say on a plane flying from London to Rome.  We were just friends, honest.  One of his great wishes is that we would meet on the island of Hawaii and enjoy the time together.  He knew I loved orchids so the day I was leaving for the mainland he presented me with some beautiful Cattleyas.  Before getting on the plane I had to go through agricultural customs.  Of course I was stopped and my orchids were taken away.  Another "NO NO" can not bring fruit or flowers to Calif.  So I told the inspector, "please do not throw this away but take it home" I guess he thought I was bribing him and gave me a dirty look.  I had to keep cool as my temperature was rising but my cool side said "you do not want to be in jail in Hawaii".  So with a few tears I said good-bye to my orchids.  This did not stop me so the hunt was on for more ochids.

Discovering Orchids - 2

Cymbidum

My Cymbidum in bloom this year.

My collection of six or seven orchids were not doing well and did not look happy.  I could not understand why as I had a care taker - I was talking to them, taking care of them, but they were just not happy.  Why? the weather in L.A. was great - left them out at night but no response.

At the time, I was keeping company with Jim who came to visit me in L.A.   I asked if he knew about orchids, he said "a bit" well I immediately made him look,  his response was "orchids do not need their roots in water, that is a BIG NO NO".  We took them out of the water that had collected in the pot and within days they were happy.  By the way, Jim is now my husband.



Later...

So I took my beautiful white orchid home and it looked beautiful.  I was told the name for it was 'POP CORN ORCHID' of course the real name is 'PHALAENOPSIS' which is the most widely sold and bought.
Gosh, I was so proud of myself.  I thought look at the money I am going to save, this is going to last months and I can stop going every week to the flower market, buying flowers, spending time trying out different arrangements, and the worst part, changing the water every couple of days to keep the flowers fresh.
Ha Ha - ... but no one told me that I would now start looking for more orchids of different varities, and the pots to put them in the minute my orchid blooms died.    But I had great hopes that it would bloom again (as I was told) so now, I went looking for flower shops that specialized in orchids and tropical plants.  My Saturdays were consumed with this search and I found many in the L.A. area - Los Angeles what does not grow there?  Perfect weather for tropical plants.
Suddenly I had 6 orchids of different varities and they were all beautiful.  Now I am thinking, who is going to take care of this so I discussed with a friend who told me they knew a person who would come once a week and take care of them.  An answer to my prayer.
So I hired her.

Discovering orchids

I discovered orchids one day on my way to buy clothes at none other than Saks.  I looked into this flower shop on Santa Monica Blvd. in Bevery Hills and I saw this beautiful white orchid.  Of course I went in as it was calling my name and asked how much it was.  Well it was a cool $100.00.  Without batting an eyelash I bought it as I was made to believe it would last forever.  Six weeks was all I got.
More to come later