Patience is a virtue when it comes to dealing with certain plants. I present to you, Paphiopedilum 'Limerick x Hillsvale x Cherokee', a splendid young ladyslipper orchid that I purchased last March during the
annual orchid show and sale held by the
Orchid Society of Nova Scotia at Acadia University's
Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens.
The orchid fancier who sold the plant to me told me it would take a year or so for it to get around to flowering. I was quite all right with that--having more than enough plants in the house, there is always something blooming here.
But back before Christmas, I noticed something happening that didn't seem to be a leaf. And as the days went on, it became obvious that there was a flower bud happening. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but last week it became apparent that eventually, we were going to have a flower.
Eventually came sooner rather than later. These photographs have all been taken in the last 36 hours, beginning with the bud in the second frame...Then yesterday morning I was greeted with the first sighting of the 'slipper' hiding within its silky folds...
By supper time last night, it was getting more and more apparent, and also obvious that I should stake the stem up like we do with our phalaenopsis orchids.
And THIS is what greeted me when I came in the office this morning. After the storm of the past day, brilliant light outside. After months of patient nurturing, success. Wow...just...wow...
It's no secret that I really like green flowers, and I have several green and green-bicolour phalaenopsis orchids indoors, a variety of viridifloras outside. This, however, takes the cake. It's certainly wellnamed with 'Limerick' in its name.
Because this is my first paphiopedilum, I have NO idea how long this glorious flower will last. I can report that there is a second bud pushing up from the other cluster of foliage on the plant, so there will be more to enjoy in a few weeks time. But for now, I'm content to just sit and gawk happily at this plant.
There's only one small quandary for me: this year's orchid show is on February 26...and I have something else scheduled for that day.
What might that be? Stay tuned...
It is absolutely stunning! I will look forward to updates regarding how long the bloom lasts. I am in the process of building an orchid stand that will use T-5 light fixtures and have 37.5 square feet for growing orchids. Paphiopedilums are one of the varieties I hope to pursue! Larry
ReplyDeleteVERY WOW.....truly stunning! I loved the photos Jodi, the lime green just glows.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Jodi. Send your spouse to the orchid show/sale with a shopping list!
ReplyDeleteSince you like green bloom, have you seen this? I just ran across this post... Larry
ReplyDeletehttp://www.growingwithplants.com/2011/01/fabulousness-new-cut-flower-trends.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FKxxH+%28Growing+with+Plants%29
Gorgeous, almost looks unreal.
ReplyDeleteLene
what a gorgeous green flower...and to have all your hard work pay off is even better!!
ReplyDeleteYou are patient. A year is a long time to wait for a bloom. It is lOvElY! I love green blooms and I am going to add more in my garden this spring.
ReplyDeleteDear Jodi, How amazing!! The luck or the green of the Irish...I do not know which...but what a stunning flower and at such a dismal time of year. I am certain that my heart would surely skip a beat to be greeted by this magical plant. In my case, actually, my heart would probably stop beating altogether as I have NEVER kept an Orchid alive. But what joy it is to share yours today!!
ReplyDeleteOrchids I have not ventured into. This one is simply stunning.
ReplyDeleteI like the new blog look. I'm a little wary of orchids. They always look a little alien to me.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, the waiting game and orchids..but what a reward! Thank you very much for sharing this beauty
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous. Love the bright spring green.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly has lovely smooth structure and style. I am happy for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone...it is an almost unreal-looking plant. What I notice about it is that the 'slipper' part reminds me of the glossy slipper of the native yellow ladyslipper (Cypripedium calceolus) that grows in gypsum/alkaline lands here in Nova Scotia. Or else it looksl ike it's made of porcelain. Whatever the case, I keep smiling at it.
ReplyDeleteLove the fuzz, love the gloss, and that color...wowzer! Well done, Jodi! Envious!
ReplyDeleteJodi:
ReplyDeleteNow this truly is a wonderful vision for this time of year. Its lime-green colouring is an instant jolt to the retina.... so much more appreciated than the harsh cold looking white of snow...... methinks you'll be missing the orchid show for a very good reason.... perhaps a tired hand from signing autographs?
Very beautiful. Worth the wait. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOooh, I have been dreaming of getting an orchid plant. This one is so pretty!! Congrats on getting this to bloom.
ReplyDeleteIt is no secret I love apple green flowers either. I am in love with your green orchids, your lady slipper and Phal.I have to find this Phalaenopsis for myself, it is so beautiful and unique.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful orchid, Jodi. I also love the color. Did you give your orchid any special treatment and fertilize it?
ReplyDelete