Satin philodendron
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday January 4, 2009
Common name: Satin philodendron
Light: Part sun
Height: 24-36 in.
Spread: vine
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10
Origin: Columbia
Philodendrons are one of the more popular plants to grow in conservatories and tropical landscapes. These diverse plants are appealing to many. Their leaves range from finely cut lacy lobes to broad heart-shaped leaf blades reaching several feet in length. Growth habit can vary from climbing or trailing vines to shrubs and small trees.
The philodendrons are one of the more confusing genera taxonomically. Including over 900 species, many remain undescribed and nameless. It’s not uncommon for some species to have both juvenile and adult leaves and looking entirely different, which often adds to the confusion. The Satin leaf philodendron (Philodendron gloriosum), pictured, has attractive heart-shaped deep green velvety leaves with contrasting ivory white veins. Many philodendrons are suitable for growing in the home. Some of the larger leaved species require higher humidity and more suitable for a greenhouse environment. Several philodendron species are naturalized in the Rainforest
biome within the North Conservatory at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Cymbidium orchid
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday January 11, 2009
Common name: Cymbidium orchid
Light: Part sun
Height: 3 ft.
Spread: 1 ft.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9
Origin: Asia to Australia
Cymbidium orchids have become more popular over the years. As these plants can grow very large and unmanageable for house culture, miniature hybrids have been developed making them more suitable. From the 45 species, thousands of beautiful hybrids are available on the market. Although a few species are epiphytic, most are terrestrial, or ground dwelling. Grass-like
in appearance, their leaves grow from thickened water storing stems (pseudobulbs). Cymbidiums are well suited for growing outdoors during the
summer. They should be fertilized heavily during active growth. They will
need to be left outdoors until mid-late fall, as the cool temperatures are
needed to initiate flower spikes. New flower spikes will emerge from the
base of the pseudobulbs and will be more rounded in appearance than new
vegetative growth. These will continue to grow and produce many buds. As
with all orchids, good light is needed for optimum bud development. The
plants should be kept in a cool room during this time. Miniature and
semi-miniature types can tolerate warmer temperatures than the larger types.
If kept too warm, the buds will turn yellow and drop off. This “blasting”
occurs in other orchids if the temperature, humidity or insufficient water
occurs. The flowers are extremely long lasting and require extra water
during their flowering. Cymbidiums are planted in mass in the “Orchid
Forest” exhibition at the Franklin Park Conservatory January 10 thru
March1.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Bulldog lady’s slipper orchid
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday January 18, 2009
Common name: Bulldog lady’s slipper
Light: Bright light
Height: 6-12 in.
Spread: 6-12 in.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10
Origin: Cultivated variety
Bulldog lady’s slipper orchids (often called Bulldog paphs) are a type of the more common Lady’s slipper orchid, which have narrow mottled leaves and are warm growers. The Bulldog paphs have wider solid green leaves and require cooler temperatures. The large rounded waxy flowers are typically various shades and combinations of white, brown, yellow, green and dark red. A few weeks of temperatures below 60 degrees in late fall to early winter will help to initiate flower spikes. After opening, these flowers will last for several weeks. Spiking normally takes place December through April.Bulldog paphs are starting to slowly regain their popularity. The warm-growing dark purple (almost black) Vini-color hybrids have been popular for several years. With their ease of growing, the exotic-looking flowers these plants produce may one day become as popular as the Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis). Bulldog paphs are featured at the Ticket Center during the Orchid Forest exhibit at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Twinkle oncidium
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday January 25, 2009
Common name: Twinkle oncidium
Light: Bright light
Height: 6-8 in.
Spread: 6-8 in.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10
Origin: Cultivated variety
The genus oncidium is comprised of over 450 species. Most of these are epiphytic (tree-dwelling). Few are terrestrial (ground-dwelling) or lithophytic (rock-dwelling). From these species, thousands of hybrids have been produced. Most oncidiums prefer early morning or late afternoon direct sun, as the leaves will burn in the direct sun in mid-afternoon. Oncidium species are native to tropical and sub-tropical America. The Twinkle oncidium (Oncidium Twinkle) is a hybrid crossing Oncidium cheirophorum and Oncidium ornithorhynchum. The traits from the latter give the plant its compactness and abundant fragrant flowers. The fragrance is reminiscent of vanilla and spice. The more common variety is whitish pink, turning pure white as the flowers age. There are also red and yellow varieties. Because of there small size, Twinkle oncidiums are well suited for windowsill culture. They should be repotted each spring in a fir bark mix with a water retention amendment, such as long-fibered sphagnum moss and not allowed to completely dry out.
Twinkle oncidiums add sweet fragrance throughout the Orchid Forest exhibit
thru March 1st at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
