The first picture features Phal. Fred's Pimento, a hybrid created by Fred Bergam. Fred's Pimento is (Phal. Auckland Buddha x Phal. Dotty Woodson) and it has a varnished look and a waxy substance. I like the coloration because, from a slight distance, it looks like the red is uniform. Taking a closer view, the Harlequin-style blotching looks layered. The bright violet and orange on the lip makes for a nice contrast with the red tepals. Dotty Woodson brings a clear red color to the hybrid and Aukland Buddha brings the intricate blotching patterns. The flower count is low, but that could be due to my care or the age of the plant. There's a second inflorescence on its way up that could do great things. So, where does the "pimento" come into the picture? Viewed from the back, the flower bud looked green with a red square down the center back -- just like a pimento olive.
The bloom on the left is and unregistered hybrid Dtps. Taisuco Candystripe x Phal. Candied Prism. Its parentage is just a list of names to me, but maybe someone out there is curious: Dtps. Taisuco Candystripe is (Dtps. Okay Seven x Dtps. Sun-Chen Beauty) and Candied Prism is (Phal. Razzle Dazzle x Phal. Brian Carter). I love the fine dotting on the flower. The splatter is uniform and the pinks and reds are harmonious. The touch of yellow is cute. It's a pretty face, but its substance is papery. Looking on the bright side, the flower's coloring pops out with light at its back. On the down side, the edges of the flower are a tiny bit too wavy and the dorsal lacks confidence. Stand up, proud sepal!
I never thought I'd enjoy Phalaenopsis as much as I have this past year. I'm learning that I can keep them alive when they're not in sphagnum moss, and it's easier to take pleasure in a plant when you aren't killing it or worried about killing it. This year's performance, I think, is just a taste of what these plants can do. It will be fun to see how they show up next year (and that I'm thinking about next year is a sure sign of orchid sickness).
1 comment:
I am a new orchid gardener and am having success with Phalaenopis. I have four now and feel proud that I have been able to keep them going. Maybe, in time, I will have the confidence to try other varieties. Great shots!
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