Orchid Opening

Orchid Bud begins to open

Yesterday morning I noticed that one of my orchids which had developed a booming spike had started to open. I bought this orchid years ago at a roadside stand in Florida during one of our trips there--most likely a Brassia/Miltonia/Oncidium/ hybrid. The unfolding of an orchid flower is such an amazing sight, I recorded its progress with my phone's camera.

First, the sepals start to lift up, revealing the column and folded labellum inside. Gradually the sepals fold back and the two upper petals unfurl, revealing the burgundy and greenish-white markings.

As the petals fold back, the showy lip (the labellum) begins to emerge, with its white tip still folded like a pointed cap. Amazing how all these structures are all neatly packed into the bud!

Finally, the white tip of the labellum unfurls, revealing its ruffled edges. The flowers may last for up to a month, depending on the growing conditions. I'll now move it to our bathroom where the humidity will help it last longer. I find it useful to periodically move my orchids to different locations around the house--the higher light levels at some windows can stimulate the orchids into blooming. I've yet to coax blooms from my Cattleyas, I'm hoping for better luck this year--maybe even try putting them outdoors this summer if I can find a suitable spot.

February Gold daffodils

Outdoors, the sequence of early spring flowers begins--this week the February Gold daffodils and purple crocuses were out in force on warm afternoons.