Orchid rescue project. So far so good

I’ve been taking in stray orchids for about a year now. The one’s that people usually toss away after the flowers die (yeah you).

They aren’t the pretty kind like you’d buy in the store or boutique but to me that’s what makes them even more beautiful.

I’ve spent at least a year many of these and I love giving them as gifts although I admit I can get a bit attached. Like the one below. This one was so mangled when I got it, the best I could manage was to replant it sideways. And now the leaves are growing completely upside down. Now she’s a double spike, super healthy and is certain to put on a real nice show in about a month.

How about this crispy critter? The previous owner was certain it would die. But orchids are tough as nails and would rather be neglected than killed with kindness.

Here’s the full view of the same plant. Note the side branching. This one’s going to be a beauty.

The previous owner of the one below thought it was toast and it was just sitting in the planter looking like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

So I scooped it up and before doing a wholesale cutting, I noticed that it was starting to put out a second growth. So I gave it a little trim, replanted it and I’ll get about a two month display out of the gorgeous white one above.

But what kind of beauty? Maybe that’s the beauty in all this. Truth is I have no idea. They could be any color or any pattern. I don’t keep track of the phylum, genus and species, but all those pictured here are Phalenopsis. Very common here in South Florida. I gave the one above away today to a friend, my first giveaway from this batch. Sad to see her go but happy knowing about the upcoming show this one will throw off.

Here’s a happy camper. In one year, the roots are going every which way which is a real good sign. Truth is growing orchids is as easy as making ice.  Once you know some of the of the basics.

I’m running long so I’ll wrap this up.

I love aging the pots when I can. It gives them so much more character.

Here’s another double spike with some nice gashes on the leaves.

Here’s where I grow them mostly, right on the patio. And some I regrew in an Eastward facing window at Beber Silverstein. Not too complex it is? The wood and bricks set me back about 10 bucks. Looks like a lot of work, but it’s not. I spend about 10 minutes a week on them.

And here’s the set I made for this post.

All of these pics were taken and edited on my iPhone 4G. If you have orchid questions, fire away. I’ll do my best even though I’m not a pro.

~Mike

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Tags: Beber Silverstein, Beber Silverstein Advertising, charlie brown christmas tree, growing orchids, iPhone 4G, iphoneography, Mike LaMonica, Mike LaMonica's blog, Orchid rescue, Orchid Rescue Project, Orchids, Orchids in South Florida, Phalenopsis