Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Dendrobium sulcatum

This is a medium sized Dendrobium found in Assam, eastern Himalayas, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and south central China at altitudes of 500 to 1000 meters.  I bought this plant from Woon Leng orchid nursery about a year ago and recently, it started blooming.  The plant has pseudobulbs which are flattened but yet quite plumb and the plant itself has a kind of rigid feel which is very unlike the similarly flattened Dendrobium lamellatum.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Paphiopedilum praestans

This is one of a few Paphs that can be grown relatively easily in Singapore.  The plant will bloom when it reaches maturity and has about two growths.  A few cool nights helps to encourage the plant to initiate flowering.
The flower spike appeared a couple of weeks ago and i almost missed it.  Didn't notice it until it was a few inches above the plant.  The flower is fully opened now and looking all fresh and glossy.


Saturday, April 5, 2014

Paphiopedilum primulinum

This is a very cute looking Paph.  This orchid has an interesting history in that the albino form of the plant was first discovered and described.  Like its close relatives P.glaucophyllum and P.liemianum this plant produces its flowers one at a time and can remain flowering for almost a year.

Two very similar Paphs

The flowers of Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum and Pahiopedilum liemianum are very similar.  The plants are however quite distinct.  The underside of the leaves of Paph liemianum is full of purple spots whereas those of Paph glaucophyllum have none at all.

These two plants happen to be flowering now so it is a good opportunity to show the comparison between them.

Flower of Paph glaucophyllum
The leaves of Paph glaucophyllum
The flower of Paph liemianum
The leaves of Paph liemianum