I’m thrilled to share some exciting news from the orchid corner of our home! (I think I mentioned this a week or two ago, but can't remember) Three of our nine Phalaenopsis orchids are gearing up to bloom in the coming weeks. If you’ve followed along for a while, you might recall the dramatic journey these plants have been through—but let’s take a little stroll down memory lane for context.
A Little Back Story
About two or three years ago .. I made a bold (and, as it turns out, disastrous) decision to switch the potting media from bark to lava rock. This was based on the advice of a trusted orchid-growing acquaintance. Long story short, the experiment did not go as planned. The orchids—one by one—showed signs of stress, developed root rot, and eventually some succumbed entirely. We lost four orchids during that period. It was a tough lesson in horticulture, but as any plant enthusiast knows, the lows make the comebacks even sweeter.
Most of the Orchids looked this way.. Sad Orchids
No Need To Worry - All Is Well Today!
Out with the Lava Rock and in with the new pots and bark chips
Fast forward to today .. And nearly all of the remaining nine orchids are thriving, except for one small gal who still struggles a bit. And now, three of them are blessing us with bloom shoots! The stems are about eight inches long, and I’m starting to see the formation of buds along each one. Today, I took the precaution of staking the bloom stems, even though I was considering not doing this. I’ve learned the hard way that doing it too early is not good and waiting too long can be just as bad. Right now the stems are a flexible enough to stake up. They need to be a little flexible in order to turn the stems up and clip them to the wood stake. I’ve had the unfortunate experience of snapping one clean off in the past. Not a fun moment.
At this point, I have no idea what colors these blooms will be. Over the years, I’ve repotted and nursed these orchids back to health so many times that their original identities have been lost to me. It’ll be like opening a mystery gift when they bloom! I’m toying with the idea of labeling them by name this time around to keep track, but given how vast the orchid family is, I’m not making any promises. May it will be by color instead!
For now, I’ve grouped the three bloomers .. At one end of the row of orchids that sit on the half-wall between our family room and kitchen. This way, they’re in the spotlight .. Both for our enjoyment and for close monitoring. As a bonus, I’ve adjusted their feeding schedule. Typically, I add specialty orchid food to every other watering, but now that they’re working hard on blooms, I’ll be adding it weekly.
I know, I know - Christmas is still up. We had some guests recently who wanted us to leave it all up so they could see the home decorated. Plus I'm being lazy hehehe
Of course, this is mostly a waiting game now. Watching those buds develop and anticipating the big blooming day is its own kind of joy. I’ll be sure to share updates—and plenty of photos—once the show begins.
Don't Forget Huxley!
First shot didn't go so well.. He moved! lol
Speaking of photos, let’s not forget the household’s star orchid enthusiast, Mr. Huxley. He’s been keeping a watchful eye (and curious nose) on all the orchid action. I couldn’t resist snapping a few shots of him amidst the plants, looking as photogenic as ever. I’ll add them here for a little extra cheer—because, really, what’s an orchid update without a Huxley cameo?
Now that's a GOOD shot Huxley!
Sniffy Sniffs-A-Lot in the house
I Think A Cookie Is Well Deserved for Hux ..
Yes.. It is the worlds SMALLEST Milk Bone (I know) But he LOVES them.. and after all he's a SMALL dog!
Stay tuned for more bloom news soon!
It's times like this, when I take a few photos of Huxley and the Orchids, that the memories of Molly and Pepper come flooding back. Damn I miss them. They were such good friends to my wife and I. How could we ever replace them.. Never. Huxley has his own special place in our heart and in our home. That's for certain. RIP Molly and Pepper.
Thank you for swinging by my blog and checking out the post. Have a great day!
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