Orchids you should grow - Click here for previous months' selections ... by Roy Krueger

ORCHIDS WE SHOULD ALL GROW

As I was sitting outside on Christmas afternoon, I was delighted to smell the spicy aroma of the annual Christmas orchid, C. perciviliana.

C. perciviliana was discovered in a remote area of Venezuela 130 years ago, in 1881. Flower merchants were delighted to finally have a Cattleya the bloomed after labiata stopped blooming in November and before trianae blooms in January.  Joy soon turned to dismay when they discovered the 4-41/2” blooms were too small for the cut flower corsage business.

Still, a well grown potted plant could be purchased in bloom, many times for less than $10. In fact, in some areas, more C. percivilianas were sold than poinsettias.

Perciviliana is typically a light purple bloom with a deep orange throat and a darker purple lip. Color varieties range from dark purple to pink to semi alba to true alba forms.

The plant starts its growth in late winter and often puts up two growths in succession. Both mature in summer and produce sheaths in late fall. Blooms in clusters of 2 or 3 occur in late November to mid December and can last up to 4 weeks providing an orchid alternative to the red and pink poinsettias.

The plants need bright light and good air movement for best growth. Give at least 30% shade in summer so as not to burn the leaves. Fertilize and water like all other Cattleyas.

When repotting, try to do it in late winter or early spring. If possible, lift the plant undisturbed and place it in a larger pot. A 6” pot can give you 4 or 5 leads with as many as a dozen stunning blooms for the holidays.

C. perciviliana has received 26 AOS awards including 2 FCC’s and 13 AM awards.
This easy to grow species is a must in any Cattleya collection.

 

Happy growing, Roy

 

 

Confused by the orchid name changes? Here are five great articles the help explain some of the changes and they include cross-references for many orchids you may currently have. The articles are by Dr. Richard Pippen, Professor Emeritus from Western Michigan University and a member of the local Naples Orchid Society.

A Laelia by Any Other Name...

Where Oh Where Did My Blc. Go ??

Why is My Potinera Not a Potinera ??

Once a Cattletonia, Not Always a Cattletonia

Hknsa., Lctna. and Otr. - Gone But Not Forgotten

Here's a great link to Bill and Susan Fender's site - they have some excellent articles you can read or download about growing and identifying orchids. You can also get their current newsletter there.

Jerry Meola has also been a speaker for our group. Jerry spoke to us in July 2010 on the benefits of using worm tea. You can reach him at: Pelican Coast Farms, Inc.
4360 Orange River Loop Road, Ft. Myers, FL  33905-5815, Phone 239-693-8967

Incidentally, did you ever wonder where the name cattleya originated? Roger sent us this link that explains it very nicely.

You can also find not only beautiful pictures and buys, but excellent tips from Norman's Orchids.