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Bulbophyllum contortisepalum

2012-01-23T21:48:00.001+08:00

Bulbophyllum contortisepalum

J.J.SM. 1912

Section: Hoplandra

Geographic Distribution: Papua New Guinea.

Elevation/ Temperature: sea level- 1000 m lowland/ hot growing species.

Plant Type: epiphytic.

Growing Habit: sympodial

Cultivation Treatment: mounted.

Flowering Month(s) in Singapore: November, January.

Flowering Period: around 3 days.

Flower Colour: bright yellow with red venation at sepal.

Flower Scent: not scented.

Flower Count: single flower per inflorescence.

The slender sepals of small sized bulbophyllum are twisted together and hence the common name 'The Twisted Sepals Bulbophyllum'. The orchid (inclusive of the pseudobulb and leaf) measures about 4 - 5 cm high. The flower is carried above the leaf by a 10.5 cm long slender spike.

The plant's first spiking occurred November 2011, however the flower bud was bursted due to the extreme hot weather. In view of this, during the plant's second flowering in January 2012, I have tried to mist the orchid twice daily (once in the morning and evening) to increase the humidity at the planting area.

This time round, the flower have bloomed successfully.

Bulbophyllum acuminatum

2012-01-05T22:46:00.007+08:00

Bulbophyllum acuminatum 'Red'

(Ridl.) Ridl.

Section: Cirrhopetalum

Geographic Distribution: Malaysia, Thailand, Burma and Sumatra.

Elevation/ Temperature: sea level - 600 m lowland forest/ hot growing species.

Plant Type: epiphytic.

Growing Habit: sympodial

Cultivation Treatment: mounted.

Flowering Month(s) in Singapore: November-December.

Flowering Period: 3 days.

Flower Colour: dull magenta red.

Flower Scent: not scented.

Flower Count: 10 flowers per inflorescence.

Flowering stages from budding to fully bloom.

I have acquired this orchid with the name given as Bulbophyllum acuminatum during the recent 20th World Orchid Conference 2011 (WOC) in Singapore. The orchid is also commonly known as 'The Tapering Flower Bulbophyllum' with reference to its flower shape.

Flower from blooming to wilting.

The actual color of the flower should be dull magenta red (under daylight), instead of the bright red color (under the camera's flash light) as shown in these pictures.

Correct colour of the flower under daylight.

20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 5- Native Orchids of Singapore)

2011-12-29T21:30:00.005+08:00

.................continued from my previous blog post '20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 4- Exotic Orchids)'.

This is the last part of my photo blog on 20th WOC Singapore 2011. The WOC organizer have put up a well presented wall panel with detailed write-up and photographs that describe the various native orchids of Singapore.

The featured orchids are: Arachnis hookeriana, Bulbophyllum blumei, Bulbophyllum medusae, Coelogyne mayeriana, Dendrobium leonis, Grammatophyllum speciosum, Bromheadia alticola, Bulbophyllum clandestinum, Bulbophyllum membranaceum, Bulbophyllum pulchellum, Bulbophyllum singaporeanum, Cymbidium bicolor subsp. pubescens, Cymbidium finlaysonianum, Eulophia spectablis, Liparis ferruginea, Neuwiedia veratrifolia, Plocoglottis javanica, Robiquetia spathulata, Thrixsperum amplexicaule, Bulbophyllum vaginatum, Vanilla griffithii, Arundina graminifolia, Dendrobium crumenatum and Spathoglottis plicata.

Some of these beautiful orchids may either have extincted due to urbanization, or may have been re-discovered and/ or re-introduced back to our trees in the recent years.

20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 4- Exotic Orchids)

2011-12-28T19:00:00.004+08:00

..................continued from previous my blog post '20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 3- Orchid Parade)'.

More photos of the alluring orchid flowers exhibited during the WOC are as follow:

Bulbophyllum beccarii

Bulbophyllum cootesii (native of Philippines)

Bulbophyllum auratum fma aurea

Bulbophyllum (lasiochilum x fascinator)

Bulbophyllum Elizabeth Ann

Vanda tricolor

Vanda Mini Palmer

Vanda lamellata (L) & Vanda lamellata var boxallii (R)

Arachnis Maggie Oei 'Yellow Ribbon' - Arach (hookeriana x flos-aeris)

Paravanda Nelson Mandela - (Vanda Mas Los Angeles x Paraphalaenopsis labukensis)

Paravanda Istana

Papilionanthe Hybrid- (V Miss Joaquim x Ple pedunculata)

Paraphalaenopsis serpentilingua

Renanthera Kalsom 'Yellow'

Renanthera Bangkok Flame

Renanthera (Kalsom x Matutina)

Renachilus Senior Minister

Phalaenopsis luddemanniana

Phalaenopsis bellina

Zygopetalum Jumpin Jack, New Zealand

Vanilla aphylla

Spiranthes lucida (native to Central & South America)

Schomburgkia lueddemaniana x Cattleya guttata

Schoenorchis fragrans

Psychopsis Kalihi 'Alba'

Promenaea silvana (native to Brazil)

Pelatantheria insectifera


Paphiopedilum spicerianum - can you see a small red 'frog' looking back at you?

Paphiopedilum rothschildeanum

Paphiopedilum lowii

Paphiopedilum Maudiae 'Green' (L) & Paphiopedilum Maudiae 'Red' (R)

Paphiopedilum fairrieanum (native to India & Indochina)

Paphiopedilum bellatulum

Oncidium Sweet Sugar

Miltonopsis Bert Field, United Kingdom

Odontocidium Tiger Claw

Odotocidium Wildcat

Oncidium alliances hybrids - Europe & UK

Gomesa Moon Shadow

Ionopsis utricularioides (native to Central & South America)

Macodes marmorata

Ludisia discolor (T) & Ludisia discolor 'green' (B)

Masdevallia Angel Frost 'White'

Masdevallia Angel Frost 'Sakura'

Lysudamuloa Red Jewel, Central & South America

Lycaste (Hamama Jason x Concentration), Central & South America

Habenaria xanthocheila

Habenaria Memoria Melinda M. Rodgers (Pink)

Grammatophyllum scriptum

Encyclia cordigera hybrid, Central & South America

Cattleya forbesii

Laelia anceps

Ctt Candy Ball 'Happy Field'

C cocconea fma aurea 'Nagai's Gold'

C Mini Pet 'Happy Field'

C brevipedunculata 'Nagai'

C Cherry Bee 'Fairy'

Cattlianthe Netrasiri Darkprince

C Angel Song 'La La'

Encyclia boothiana (native to America)

Dendrochilum cobbianum

Cymbidium tracyanum

Cymbidium Golden Elf

Calanthe Beauport 'Trinity' (T) & Calanthe Five Oaks (B)

Caucaea rhodosticta (native to Colombia)

Anguloa clowesii (native to Central & South America)

Angraecum magdalenae (native to Madagascar)

Aerangis biloba (native to Madagascar)

Aerides leeana

Dendrobium parthenium

Dendrobium serratilabium

Dendrobium formosum

Dendrobium convolutum (native to Papua New Guinea)

Dendrobium moniliforme (native to China)

Dendrobium lowii

Dendrobium nindii (syn. ionoglossum), native to Australia


Dendrobium canaliculatum, (native to Australia)

Dendrobium antenatum

Dendrobium Asian Youth Games Singapore 09- Den (Malayan Orange x sutiknoi)

Dendrobium Hybrid- Den (leporinum x antennatum)

Dendrobium lasianthera, native to Papua New Guinea

Dendrobium Queen (L) & Dendrobium Cherry Song (R)

Masdevallia Marguerite, Central & South America

Neobenthamia gracilis (native to South Africa & Madagascar)

continue to my next blog post '20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 5- Native Orchids of Singapore)'..................

20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 3- Orchid Parade)

2011-12-27T22:07:00.004+08:00

..................continued from my previous blog post '20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 2- V.I.P Orchids)'.

During the show, I have taken photographs of many interesting orchid display by various organization. Following is the selected photos that I'll like to share with you:

Plot display by 21st World Orchid Conference Bidding Committee, South Africa

Plot display by Taiwan Orchid Growers Association, Taiwan

Plot display by Borneo Exotics (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka

Plot display by Sabah Tourism Board, Malaysia

Plot display by Nagoya International Orchid Show Organising Committee, Japan

Plot display by Chaiwathana Orchid Gardens Co., Ltd, Thailand

Plot display by Sanya 22nd World Orchid Conference Bidding Committee, China

Plot display by Orchid Society of Papua New Guinea Inc., Papua New Guinea

Plot display by Purificacion Orchids, Philippines

Plot display by Orchid Society of South East Asia, Singapore


Plot display by Asiatic Green Horticulture and Landscape, Singapore

Table display by Cali Colombia, Colombia

Table display by Floral Designers Society (Singapore), Singapore

continue to my next blog post '20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 4- Exotic Orchids)'..................

20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 2- V.I.P Orchids)

2011-12-27T18:29:00.005+08:00

..........continued from my previous blog post '20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 1- Winners & Show Centrepiece)'.

The following display was put up by Singapore Botanic Garden (SBG) that featured local orchid hybrids named after various V.I.P.

These orchid hybrids were contained in a metallic mesh in the shape of a floral petal.

Paravanda Nelson Mandela (Vanda Mas Los Angeles x Paraphalaenopsis labukensis) - was named after His Excellency Nelson Mandela on 5 March 1997.

Dendrobium Abdullah The Second (Den Nilda Patricia Zedillo x Den lasianthera) - was named after His Majesty Abdullah II, King of the Hashemite Kindgom of Jordan on 20 June 2001.

Dendrobium Alois (Den Nilda Tanlass x Den sutiknoi) - was named after His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein of the Principality of Liechtensteins on 3 Sept 2010.

Dendrobium Anand Satyanand 'Susan' (Den Christabella x Den lasianthera) - was named after His Excellency Sir Anand Satyanand, Govenor-General of New Zealand and Lady Susan Satyanand, Spouse of the Govenor-General of New Zealand on 17 May 2010.

Dendrobium Angela Merkel (Den Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono x Den taurinum) -was named after Her Excellency, Dr Angela Merkel, Chancellorof the Federal Republic of Germany on 2 Jun 2011.

Dendrobium Margret Thatcher (Den Concham x Den lasianthera) - was named after the Baroness Marget Thatcher, Then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1985.

Continue to my next blog post '20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 3- Orchid Parade)'................

20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 1-Winners & Show Centrepiece)

2011-12-27T17:14:00.006+08:00

Theme of 20th WOC 2011

I have attended the 20th World Orchid Conference (WOC) held on November 2011. This memorable orchid show is truly the event of the year, as the last WOC held in Singapore was in 1963 (48 years ago!).

Unlike the previous Singapore Garden Festival that was held at Suntec Convention Centre, WOC was held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre.This was the first time Sands Expo held a orchid event.


Decorative wall at the entrance to event hall

Map Board showing layout of the show hall

List of exhibitors and vendors

Winners of the show are as follow:

1) Best Hybrid - Cycnodes Taiwan Gold 'Orchis'
2) Best Species - Dendrobium lasianthera Neo Cheng Soon Farm
3) Best Specimen Plant - Vanda lamellata
4) Grand Champion Plant - Cynodes Taiwan Gold 'Orchis'
5) Reserve Champion Plant - Paphiopedium Du Motier 'Victory Village'
6) Grand Champion Dsiplay - Chaiwathana Orchid Garden
7) Reserve Champion Display - The Orchid Society of Papua New Guinea Inc.

Upon entering the show hall, visitors are greeted by a huge floral decoration that hovered over the 'Show Centrepiece'. This display area aims to celebrate the theme of the WOC: "Where New and Old World Orchids meet". Various exotic orchids from their diverse geographical habitat can be found here.

Show Centrepiece

Theme of the 20th WOC

Continue to my next blog post '20th WOC Singapore 2011 (Part 2- V.I.P Orchids)'..................

Bulbophyllum purpurascens

2011-11-27T22:31:00.007+08:00

Top view of flower

Bulbophyllum purpurascens

Teijsm & Binn

Section: Cirrhopetalum

Geographic Distribution: Malaysia, Thailand, Java, Borneo and Sumatra.

Elevation/ Temperature: 900-1700 m lowland forest/ warm-cool growing species.

Plant Type: epiphytic.

Growing Habit: sympodial

Cultivation Treatment: mounted on mesh covered with sphagnum moss.

Flowering Month(s) in Singapore: November.

Flowering Period: 2-3 days.

Flower Colour: pale yellow.

Flower Scent: not scented.

Flower Count: 10 flowers per inflorescence.

I have acquired this miniature bulbophyllum from a thai vendor during the 20th World Orchid Conference 2011 (WOC) held between 13th-20th November in Singapore. The orchid is also commonly known as 'The Purple Bulbophyllum' with reference to its leaf color.

Flower budding

Plant overall

This bulbophyllum has an interesting elongated lateral sepal.

Bottom view of flower

Bulbophyllum pileatum

2011-11-05T21:23:00.005+08:00

Bulbophyllum pileatum

(Lindley)

Section: Sestochilus

Geographic Distribution: Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra.

Elevation/ Temperature: sea level- 200m lowland swamp forest/ hot- warm growing species.

Plant Type: epiphytic.

Growing Habit: sympodial

Cultivation Treatment: mounted on fern slab.

Flowering Month(s) in Singapore: October- November.

Flowering Period: 7 days.

Flower Colour: orangey petal with brown marking on long slender lip.

Flower Scent: odor scented.

Flower Count: single flower per inflorescence.

This bulbophyllum has bloomed in mid October and early November 2011. Although the first bloom lasted only 1 day, the orchid produced another flower after a few weeks.

First bloom only lasted 1 day, as the pollen was 'harvested' by insect.

Star shaped flower of the second bloom.

The flower folded up the three sepals for an early night- Zzzzzz. (right photo)

I have observed that the plant folded up its sepals on the first night of its bloom (above), however, the flower sepals 'unfold' back on the next day (below).

Another interesting observation is the orchid's lateral sepal would start to point backward permanently on the subsequent 2nd-3rd day of flowering. Now the form of the flower would appeared more triangular than star shaped (below).

Close-up of the long slender 'tongue'

Bulbophyllum maxillare (syn. blumei)

2011-10-31T21:48:00.008+08:00

Bulbophyllum maxillare (syn. blumei)

(Lindley) J.J. Sm.

Section: Ephippium

Geographic Distribution: Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo to Philippines, PNG and Australia.

Elevation/ Temperature: sea level - 800m lowland forest/ hot- cool growing species.

Plant Type: epiphytic.

Growing Habit: sympodial

Cultivation Treatment: plastic pot with sphagnum moss as main medium. Small-medium sized rocks at pot bottom.

Flowering Month(s) in Singapore: February, May-June, August-October, November.

Flowering Period: 2- 3 days.

Flower Colour: red petal with yellow margin.

Flower Scent: not scented.

Flower Count: single flower per inflorescence at leaf length.

I have been growing this beautiful orchid since April 2011. After a 2-3 months of adjustment to the new environment, the plant started to grow new leads. I have observed that the plant continue to throw out a few slender inflorescences that hold a single reddish flower since May to October. The flower form is in a bow-legged fashion.

A yellowish flowered form of the same bulbophyllum species exists. Photo was taken at a garden setting. Apparently,this bulbophyllum basked happily under the sun.

Pleurothallis quadrifida

2011-10-15T22:18:00.005+08:00

Pleurothallis quadrifida

(La Llave & Lex) Lindley 1842

Subgenus: Specklinia

Section: Acuminatae Lindley 1859

Geographic Distribution: Caribbean, Mexico to Venezuela.

Elevation/ Temperature: up to 1800m/ hot- cool growing species.

Plant Type: epiphytic and lithophytic.

Growing Habit: sympodial
Cultivation Treatment: plastic pot with small-medium sized rock pieces and top-dressed with sphagnum moss.
Flowering Month(s) in Singapore: October.

Flowering Period: 10 days.

Flower Colour: yellow.

Flower Scent: slight sweet fragrance.

Flower Count: 18-20.

This small sized orchid have been growing at the bright spot of my balcony since July 2010. This is the plant first flowering in the month of October 2011. The flowering may have been triggered by temperature drop for the past days in Singapore, due to the sudden heavy rain coupled with strong Northeastern wind.

This is the plant growing area with good air movement.

The bloom opens sequentially over the days. Each compact flower do not open wide and they are arranged to one side of the spike.

External Courtyard at Odeon Towers (Singapore)

2011-08-30T21:51:00.007+08:00

Odeon Towers (Singapore)
This is my second post on landscape design. My first post on the landscape topic was posted earlier on February 2011. In this post, I wish to feature an external courtyard at Odeon Towers, located in the city hub of Singapore.

Odeon Towers is a 23 floors mid-rise office tower along the bustling North Bridge Road. The tower is located within walking distance from the National Library, Bras Basah Complex, Chijmes and City Hall MRT Station. The tower has been around for the past 15-20 years and was last renovated in Year 2007.

The renovation includes new landscape design for the external spaces around the office podium (refer to my sketch plans below).

There are two main entrances to the tower at ground level, either by foot along North Bridge Road or via vehicular drop-off along Carver Street. From the entrances, visitors are guided towards the tower's lift lobby by a strong axis. The axis is marked by an overhead glass trellis and floor tiling as well as the reflection pond (refer to sketch landscape plan above).

I have included an enlarged part plans A, B & C with photos to illustrate the landscape design as follows:

Part Plan A (below)

Part Plan B (below)

Part Plan C (below)

In my opinion, the landscape design concept is to create a formal entrance plaza and an inward looking external courtyard defined by the various landscape elements. The overall landscape ambience gives one a contemporay minimalist feel created by clean-line geometrical line and architectural elements as well as the soft bamboos. Even the architectural detailing has displayed simplistic and minimalistic approach, such as the finishing of the perimeter drainage around the reflection pond, trellis work and the recessed lighting of the granite wall.

The rustic granite stone wall and rock boulders at the reflection pond create focal point within the courtyard as well as to further enhanced the sculptural feel to the zen setting. On the other hand, by allowing one to walk on the timber boardwalk next to the water element tends to calms one's mind and gives an elevated feel alike to 'walking on the water'.

I think this modern courtyard has provide people a 'breathing space' to contemplate within the towering concrete jungle in the city.

Bulbophyllum plumatum

2011-07-30T21:45:00.001+08:00

Bulbophyllum plumatum [1]

Ames 1915

Section: Cirrhopetalum

This strange looking orchid also known as 'The Feathery Bulbophyllum or '紅絲帶' (which means red ribbon in chinese). However, I would prefer to call it 'The Red Lantern' or 'The Red Chilli' in my own term. This warm orchid is native to Malaysia, Indonesia as well as in Philippines.

I have been growing this bulbophyllum since January 2011 along window area at my kitchen yard. The yard receives less indirect sunlight but strong prevailing south-western wind during June-July. Due to the windy condition and as the plant is mounted on a fern bark, I watered it in the morning and evening to increase humidity.

This bulbophyllum has flowered for the first time in mid July 2011. The plant's budding/ spiking stages are as follows:

The plant take 2-3 weeks from budding to final bloom. The bloom consists of a cluster of 4 flowers arranged in umbel. The flower is nicely presented above the leaf, on a 13 cm long spike. Each crimson red flowers have elongated slender sepal that measures about 15 cm long. The scentless flower lasted about 5-7 days, which is slightly longer period than most of the bulbophyllum from the same Section.

The slender petal swayed with the breeze (top photo).

The sepals have a 'crumbled' texture throughout its entire length.

Fine hairs are observed at both sides of the orchid's dorsal sepal.

Brassocattleya Wonder Star (B. nodosa x Bc. Morning Glory)

2011-07-24T19:12:00.001+08:00

Brassocattleya Wonder Star

First registered: 6/6/2001

Parentage: Brassavola nodosa x Brassocattleya Morning Glory

Section: Cattleys Alliances Hybrids

This attractive orchid hybrid, Bc. Wonder Star has been made by backcrossing Brassavola nodosa into Brassocattleya Morning Glory. See below:

Brassocattleya Wonder Star = Brassavola nodosa x Brassocattleya Morning Glory

Brassocattleya Morning Glory = Brassavola nodosa x Cattleya purpurata

A tiny ant poising with the flower.

The resultant hybrid, Bc. Wonder Star appears more like Brassavola nodosa with cream colored star shaped flower and sub-terete leaf. The margenta-veined lip from Brassocattleya Morning Glory however is not passed on to the progeny.

Perhaps the reason could be due to B. nodosa as the seed parent and Bc. Morning Glory as the pollen parent. Nevertheless, the hybrid is attractive with large sized flower.

I have acquired this orchid hybrid from my friend at NT Orchids since July 2010 and this is the plant first flowering for me after a year of growing it. The plant received bright light along my balcony with moderate watering daily.

I managed to smell a slight fragrance only during the night.

Stichorkis (syn. Liparis) lacerata

2011-07-19T22:48:00.002+08:00

Overall plant with unopened bud.

Stichorkis (syn. Liparis) lacerata

Ridl. 1886

Section: Cestichis

This young orchid have been savaged previously from the mother plant that has suffered from basal rot around 2-3 years ago. The mother plant eventually died off, but fortunately this young offspring with 1-2 back bulbs have manage to re-establish itself on a small piece of wood mount. Although the plant have survived, its growth have been stunned and only managed to produce 1-2 new bulbs recently.

I have added a small amount of moss around the root area and placed the wood horizontally to retain some moisture. The plant was watered sparingly in the morning and evening to prevent the re-occurrence of basal rot.

Close-up of flower bud unfolding its petal.

Between June - July 2011, the plant latest pseudo-bulb have produced a short spike of 30-35 small orangey flowers, that open progressively (2-3 flowers) at a time . Although the flower count is low and the overall flower form is sparse compared to the bloom from a more matured plant, I am still delighted as this savaged plant have managed to flower after its re-establisment.

The last flower wilted about 2- 2.5 weeks after the orchid's initial bloom.

Overall plant with flower that open one at a time.

Top view of plant with close-up of unknown epiphyte.
The new neighbor have been added deliberately recently to keep the orchid company.

Bulbophyllum putidum (syn. fascinator) [2]

2011-06-17T22:53:00.004+08:00

The overall plant & close-up of flower with dimension overmarked. (Top & bottom photo)

Bulbophyllum putidum (syn. fascinator) [2]

(Teijsm. & Binn.) J.J.Sm. 1912

Section: Cirrhopetalum

This is my second bulbophyllum putidum that I have taken care since Jan 2010. My first bulb. putidum was featured in my earlier blog post in April 2011.

This orchid was originally planted in a plastic pot filled with perlite and top dressed with a layer of sphagnum moss to retain moisture. The plant has produced 2-3 new pseudo-bulbs over the year (total: 7-8 bulbs). It finally flowered from one of the latest bulb in June 2011.

In term of cultivation, I provided this plant with the same care as per my first bulb. putidum:

1) Sunlight: Bright indirect light.

2) Water: Once daily in the morning and second watering if I am available in the evening.

Perhaps the other bulbophyllum has been kept more on the drier side compared to this plant, as the former orchid is mounted on a small wooden twig.

Beside this, the petal of this orchid is of a more darker red coloration as compared to that of my first bulb. putidum, which the bloom of the latter plant has tintes of yellow color. The flower size of the featured bulbophyllum is shown above.

The overall plant.

Close-up of 'goose-bumps' along the entire length of the petal. It looks similar to a human's tongue. This photo was taken at a low angle.

Close-up of the intricate movable lip! (top & bottom photo)

The flower losing its vigor after a week of blooming (left photo)

Close-up of the wilted flower.

Brassocattleya Morning Glory (B. nodosa x C. purpurata)

2011-05-25T22:48:00.006+08:00

Bc. Morning Glory is an attractive intergeneric orchid primary hybrid including the genera Brassavola and Cattleya.

Brassocattleya Morning Glory

First registered: 1958

Parentage: Brassavola nodosa x Cattleya purpurata
Section: Cattleys Alliances Hybrids

This beautiful orchid hybrid has inherited its large starry-shaped flower form and delicate margenta-veined lip from Catteya purpurata; the improved rounded heart-shaped lip from one of its parent, Brassavola nodosa.

Papa
Brassavola nodosa is a warm-hot lowland growing species, native to Mexico and Central America. Each medium sized psuedobulb with 15-20 cm long sub-terete leaf is capable of producing between 1- 6 whitish flowers with a spread between around 7.5 -10 cm. The flowers only emit its citrus fragrance after the nightfall, hence give rise the common name, 'Lady of the Night'.

Mama
On the other hand, Cattleya purpurata is a much larger orchid which measures up to 30-35 cm tall, as compared to Brassavola nodosa. The orchid is a cool to hot growing epiphytic species from Brazil and also the beloved national flower of Brazil. The plant prefers bright light and is capable of producing 4- 5 large fragrance flowers. Each flower has a spread between10-12 cm. Color of the petal is variable ranging from pristine white to dark pink.

Progeny
Both parents have been used extensively to create many beautiful Brassocattleya hybrids with rich color and large flower form, such as this particular hybrid,Bc. Morning Glory.

I have acquired this relatively young orchid hybrid, in November 2009 from a local orchid nursey. The plant's 1st bloom is recorded in November 2010; its 2nd flowering from the plant's new psuedobulb is in May 2011. The plant has produced 2 large pristine flowers in both flowering and each flower have a spread of 10-11 cm.

I have observed the color of the petal changed from dark pink (photo above) to pristine whitish color (photo below) on the first few days of its flowering, thereafter, the flower color stayed whitish pink for the rest of the bloom. The flowers emit a mild spicy fragrance during the daytime, however the bloom is scentless on an over-casted sky.

Closed-up of the hearted-shape lip.

The bloom lasted 2-3 weeks and the flower faded away.

Dendrobium discolor 'Rigo Twist'

2011-05-08T21:18:00.004+08:00

Dendrobium discolor

Lindley 1841

SECTION Spatulata

I have been growing this beautiful Dendrobium discolor along my balcony since April 2010. This hot growing lowland orchid species can be found from Australia to Papua New Guinea. The plant can grow at least 2.0 m high in its natural habitat. This all year round bloomer can produces an average of 40 brownish yellow flowers on a 50-60 cm long spike. The flower measures 4 cm wide.

The featured plant, Dendrobium discolor 'Rigo Twist' is considered a dwarf form of the species:
i) As its height is only 15-16 cm tall;
ii) Each flower measures 3 cm wide x 2.5 cm high. The flower spike is about 15-16cm long.

I am quite surprised that the orchid managed to bloom at my balcony which is partially lit up for 2-3 hrs during the day.

Total flower counts: 22 flowers.

I have noted that the plant's 1st bloom is during July 2010 and 2nd bloom is May 2011. The spikes are borne from the orchid's previous pseudo bulb. The flowers can last around 2-3 weeks and are slightly scented during daytime and even after nightfall.

The plant falls under SECTION Spatulata, which the typical flower have the distinctive twisted lateral sepals that resembles horn of an antler, hence the common name 'the antler or antelope orchid'.

Close-up of the twisted pairs of lateral sepals.

Another 3 flower inflorescences was observed between mid May- June 2011. One of the spike with 10-12 flowers, was borne from the new pseudo-bulb (refer to above photo) and the other two emerging spikes are from the old bulb.

I hope the number of flower counts would improve from the orchid's subsequent flowering.

Bulbophyllum sp (Unknown I.D)

2011-04-30T21:14:00.003+08:00

Bulbophyllum sp

I'll like to share photo of this beautiful unknown bulbophyllum from a local nursery recently. According to the owner, the orchid is from some place near PNG.

It appears similarly to Bulbophyllum lepidum, but I am not entirely sure about the I.D. Perhaps someone can help to identify it please? Thanks in advanced.

The plant's pseudo bulb is considered small as it measures about 0.5 cm wide x 1.5 cm tall. The narrow leave is between 1 cm x 3-5cm in length. Each flower is about o.5 cm wide x 1.2 cm in length. The entire clustered flower span across 3 cm in length.

Pelatantheria rivesii

2011-04-19T18:54:00.004+08:00

Pelatantheria rivesii

(Guillaumin) Tang & F.T.Wang 1951

1st flower with light pink lip.

A warm growing monopodial orchid, which its natural habitat spread across China, Laos and Vietnam. It can be found growing as an epiphytes on evergreen forests.

This genus consists of 5 species and is closely related Cleisostoma.

Aerial roots extend all over from the orchid's stem.
Poor orchid previously was attacked by spider mites along the stem.

Close-up of 1st flower.

This orchid has short and succulent strap leaves with long roots along its entire stem.The short inflorescence can carries between 2-7 colorful clustered flowers. Each miniature flower measures about 0.7 x 1 cm with attractive reddish brown lines on its green sepals. Fine dots on the pinkish lip contrast well with the rest of the flower.

The flower appears similarly with another Pelatantheria insectivera.

2nd flower bud (foreground) and 1st flower(background).

On the 2nd day of blooming, the flower's pink lip would gradually darken to reddish pink. Amazing! (Top photo)

1st flower bud in the foreground.(Bottom photo)

3rd flower bud (at far right) have opened.

Bulbophyllum putidum (syn. fascinator) [1]

2011-04-16T18:26:00.078+08:00

Bulbophyllum putidum (syn. fascinator) [1]

(Teijsm. & Binn.) J.J.Sm. 1912

Section: Cirrhopetalum

This commonly grown orchid, Bulbophyllum putidum or common known as 'The Putrid Mastigon' emits a foul smell of rotting matter to attract its pollinator, usually flies. Although, the smell may not be pleasant, its unique lip that moves with the slightest air movement and as well as its crimson red lip color, never fails to 'fascinate' many growers from all over the world.

It is a hot to intermediate growing Bulbophyllum species from India, Borneo to Northeastern of Thailand as well as in Philippines. The flowering period in Thailand is recorded between September - October, however it blooms in early April in Singapore. I have been growing this orchid from Thailand since September 2010 and this is its 1st flowering for me.

Close-up of flower and lip structure.

Fine strand of purplish colored hairs along the flower sepals move in the slightest air movement.

This small sized bulbophyllum is mounted on a piece of wood strip without any mosses. The orchid is watered once daily in the morning and kept dry most of the day. It is hang on my gate which is airy with bright indirect light. I think perhaps the dryness triggered the flowering of the orchid.

The single flower measures 11-12 cm in length and 1 cm wide on a 5-6 cm long inflorescence (spike).

The crimson red color lip and as well as the fine dots and markings on the orchid's sepal and below the column,
lure the flies into pollinate the plant.

Top & Bottom: This orchid could be Bulbophyllum appendiculatum that often confused with Bulbophyllum putidum.

Both Bulbophyllum display similar distinctive lip which look like a tongue sticking out to the pollinator.

Another photo of Bulbophyllum appendiculatum taken during Singapore Garden Fest 2008

The bloom last about 6-7 days, before the flower started to show sign of wilting.

To me, wilting flower have their own beauty. Let me know your view on this thought?

Close-up of the wilted flower.

Phalaenopsis violacea var. coerulea x sib [1]

2011-03-26T23:02:00.082+08:00

Phalaenopsis violacea with blue flower form

Phalaenopsis violacea var. coerulea

Witte 1861 SUBGENUS Polychilos SECTION Amboinenses Sweet 1968

In their native habitat which ranges from the Malaysia, Borneo, Indonesia and Sumatra at 150 m low altitude, Phalaenopsis violacea can be found growing as an warm loving epiphyte in shady and high humidity condition.

Different flower color forms exist, such as variety 'Malayan', 'Blue', 'Alba' and 'Sumatra' as this orchid species have a widespread geographical distribution.

Since July 2010, I have been growing this young orchid at my kitchen yard that faces southwest direction. It receives about 3-4 hours of filtered morning light next to my kitchen window. I have retained the orchid in their original plastic pot with loosely packed moss as medium, to minimize disruption and shock to plant.

The orchid is drenched thoroughly only once a week, as the moss is capable to retain moisture and to minimize the chance of rot. So far the plant had produced a new leaf and put up a fresh new flower spike under this condition. The photo above shows the plant's 1st flowering under my care, since my acquisition from Ching Hua Orchids (Taiwan Nursery).

The size of the 1st flower is about 3cm (wide) x 4cm (height).

Close-up of the 1st flower

This is the 1st time that I managed to grow and flower this orchid genus after several attempts over the years. Many a time, my orchids are destroyed by pest, usually spider mites. Every week during watering, I'll wet the underside of the plant's leaf with water and check for mites.

One worthy thing to note, the flower emits a sweet fragrance during daytime and the flower bud opens one to two after another in succession on a flatten zigzag spike. The spike will continue to extend for several months, in view of the plant's successive flowering. Each flower bud would last about 2-3 weeks, so you can enjoy continuous flowering over many months.

The photo below shows the 2nd flower bud next to the 1st one from the same spike. The previous bud start to wither 3-4 days after the new bud have fully opened. I have noticed the color of the 2nd flower bud is more 'washed-out' and lighter than the former bud, so I hope the color intensity of its subsequent flowering over the next few months would improve.

2nd flower bud (left) and 1st flower bud (right)

After about 2 weeks, the 2nd bud faded and a 3rd bud emerge on the same spike. This time round, the orchid have managed to produce flower of deep color intensity. (See photo below)

3rd flower bud from the same spike

View of the extended zigzag spike

Let's wait and see if the forthcoming 4th flower bud can maintained the same color intensity?

Bulbophyllum gracillimum

2011-03-23T18:57:00.006+08:00

Bulbophyllum gracillimum

(Rolfe)Rofle 1912 SECTION Cirrhopetaloides Garay, Hamer & Siegerist 1994

Bulbophyllum gracillimum is a small size lowland orchid species. It is widespread from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Borneo and Australia.This bulbophyllum is commonly found growing in rainforest along the lower tree trunk.

1st flower spike with premature bud drop. Sad!

The flowering period in southern Thailand is usually between October to December. Having said that, this bulbophyllum has flowered twice for me in early March this year in Singapore (the 1st flowering is unsuccessful though). I shall monitor its subsequence flowering to determine whether the March flowering is caused by stress.

This bulbophyllum can produced up to 10-15 purplish red flowers which are arranged in a cluster form. The bright yellow dorsal sepal, which color is contrasting with the rest of the flower. The size of each flower is about 0.3cm wide x 2.5 cm in length.

New flower buds forming from the 2nd inflorescence

It is commonly known as 'The Graceful Bulbophyllum' that probably derived this name from the way its slender flowers move in the wind. To me, the individual flower's lip resembled hooked beak of a bird and the overall flower cluster is alike fake curly eyelashes or just simply 'Lady in Red' (refer to the last 3 closed-up photos)

Raising of the buds. Good chance that the 2nd inflorescence will bloom. Keeping my finger crossed!

Buds waiting...and waiting to.......

Bloom....... finally!!!!

Bulbophyllum corolliferum (syn. curtisii)

2011-03-06T22:55:00.004+08:00

Bulbophyllum corolliferum (syn. curtisii)
J.J.Sm. 1917 Section Cirrhopetalum

Plant: Overall View

Previously in December 2010, I had a post on 'Bulbophyllum curtisii var. lutescens' that has yellow flower. Further to that, I wish to share photos of Bulbophyllum corolliferum (syn. curtisii) that has the typical color form of purplish flower as compared to that of the former.

Bulbophyllum corolliferum is a lowland hot-warm growing orchid species that ranges from Thailand and Malaysia. The flowering period in Thailand is between November to December. It can have up to 10 flowers arranged in umbel. The size of each flower is about 0.3cm wide x 1.5 cm in length.

Plant: Another View

Like most bulbophyllum, it prefers bright and damp condition but not under direct sunlight. It has fine roots that should not be subjected to long period of 'wet feet' between waterings, as this could leads to root rot.

Often if the orchid is well grown, it will tends to send out their rhizomes to cover the entire pot or slab, and eventually its pseudobulbs will hang out of the media (It's time for repot!). The bulbophyllum shown here is a good example of a well established plant.

Flower: Top View

The featured Bulbophyllum corolliferum belongs to my friend, Winston. The photo of his plant were taken impromptu during OSSEA Monthly Meeting in February this year. This floriferous bulbophyllum and all of his orchids (Vandas, Dendrobium and etc) are grown outdoor under the shade of trellises at his landed house. He have been feeding his orchids with organic fertilizer weakly weekly. The overall microclimate in his garden is warm and breezy with high humidity aided by water sprinkler system.

In my point of view, I find the flower of this particular bulbophyllum have a rather intense dark shade of reddish purple lateral sepal and distinct stripes on its dorsal sepal. What a beauty!

Flower: Close-up

Flower: Close-up of red vein-like markings on dorsal sepal

Flower: Budding

Dry Creek at Raffles Building (NParks HQ)

2011-02-22T22:08:00.083+08:00

Entry to Raffles Building from Evans Road (Refer to Map @ Location 'A')

Recently, I have stumbled upon an interesting garden patches at Raffles Building along Evans Road, as I was taking a brisk walk from Bukit Timah Road to the Singapore Botanic Garden (SGB). Raffles Building which housed the headquarters of our National Parks Board (NParks), is within walking distance (about 10-15 minutes) from NUS Bukit Timah Campus, Jacob Ballas Children's Garden and Visitor Centre of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Refer to part map below:

Top: Part map showing entry to Raffles Building from Evans Road (Source: Singapore Botanic Gardens-'A Timeless Tropical Eden').
Bottom: Lush planting on both sides of entrance boulevard. (Refer to Map @ Location 'A')

Top: Footpath as defined by hedges along the boulevard.
Bottom: Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon Grass) adds an 'meadow' feel to the boulevard.

Top: Duranta erecta (left) and Carmona retusa (right) make a perfect planting palete as clipped hedge along the
boulevard.

These green plots are recently completed around Year 2010. The new landscape consists of revamping works to the existing green areas at the following areas:

Green Islands between the existing open car park lots @ Location 'B';
Turf area next to the footpath leading to Raffles Building near Location 'B';
Slope embankment along Evans Road @ Location 'C'.

Top & Bottom: New creek with various reed-like plants in the foreground blends well into the context.
Existing Raffles Building is partial hidden in the background.(Refer to Map @ Location 'B')

Top & Bottom: A natural look is added to the meandering creek compliment by 'grassy' shrub and weathered granite rocks of various sizes.

Top: Dry creek along side of footpath between car parks and Raffles Building.

Bottom: Slope embankment along roadway allows surface water run-off into the creek near Location'C'.

Dense foliages screen the building and green plots from
the adjacent Evans Road.(Location 'C')

My interpretation of the new landscape design concept could be:

To create an inward-looking landscape design, which featured a 'dry creek' which doubled as a hardscape and waterway; backed with lush softscape within the existing urban context.

The dry creek is basically a gently sloped 'earth drain' that is filled with small to medium-sized granite rocks to form the stream bottom. Larger rock boulders are placed along the stream embankment to create focal point and add a sculptural feel to the overall design.

The meandering creek is designed to look like a 'dry stream' during the non raining day. Whereas during a heavy downpour, I would imagined the transformation of the creek into a water stream which collects rainwaters as well as the surface waters run-off from the adjoining greens. The water is then channelled to the surface drainage system.

Layers of reed-like softscape are planted along the slope embankment to add a soft touch and colors to the dry creek. I have observed the following plants that consists of waterlogged tolerant terrestrial plants as well as occasional drought period:

SHRUBS

Bambusa multiplex var. multiplex (Oriental Hedge Bamboo)
Bambusa multiplex (Hedge Bamboo)

Cymbopogon citraus (Lemon Grass)
Cyperus alternifolius (Umbrella Plant)

Dianella ensifolia (Variegated Common Dianella)

Hymenocallis speciosa (Spider Lily)

Leea rubra (Red Tree Shrub)

Leea guineensis 'Burgundy' (REd Tree-Vine)

Miscanthus floridulus (Japanese Silver Grass)

Neomarica longifolia (Yellow Walking Iris)

Pandanus pygmaeus (Small Screwpine)

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' (Purple Fountain Grass)

Sanchezia speciosa (Zebra Plant)

Stenotaphrum secundatum 'Variegatum' (Variegated Buffalo Grass)

Themeda arguens (Christmas Grass)

Vetiveria sp.

Zephyranthes candida (Fairy Lily)

Bambusa multiplex var. multiplex
(Oriental Hedge Bamboo)

Cyperus alternifolius (Umbrella Plant)

Dianella ensifolia (Variegated Common Dianella)

Leea rubra (Red Tree Shrub)

Miscanthus floridulus (Japanese Silver Grass)

Neomarica longifolia (Yellow Walking Iris) with long slender grass-like leaves.

Pandanus pygmaeus (Small Screwpine) at foreground, backed by Bambusa multiplex (Hedge Bamboo) behind.

Although Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'

(Purple Fountain Grass) stands out in the crowd, it

may causes some skin irritation if you are in contact

with its leaves.

Sanchezia speciosa (Zebra Plant) adds visual interest.

Stenotaphrum secundatum 'Variegatum' (Variegated Buffalo Grass)

Themeda arguens (Christmas Grass)

Vetiveria sp.

Zephyranthes candida (Fairy Lily)

PALMS

Johannesteijsmannia lanceolata (Slender Joey)

Licuala grandis (Ruffled Fan Palm)

Licuala spinosa (Mangrove Fan Palm)

Johannesteijsmannia lanceolata (Slender Joey) with sculptural leaf form, like a dancer in green.

Cluster of Licuala grandis (Ruffled Fan Palm) is best arranged in various heights, to create interest and visual impact.

Licuala spinosa (Mangrove Fan Palm).Thorns along the leaf branch are seen in

these palms featured above.

Caesalpinia ferrea (Leopard Tree) with bark showing beautiful coloration.

TREES

Caesalpinia ferrea (Leopard Tree)

Centotheca lappacea (Rumput Lilit Kain)

Eugenia victoriana (Sundrop)

Psidium cattleianum (Strawberry Guava)

Psidium guineense x guajava
Samanea saman (Rain Tree)
Syzygium antisepticum (Shore Eugenia)

Syzygium incarnatum (Shaggy-barked Eugenia)

Syzygium zeylanicum (Spicate Eugenia)

Tristaniopsis merguensis (Pelawan Tundak)

Tristaniopsis obovata (Sea Tristania)

Tristaniopsis whiteana (River Tristania)

Centotheca lappacea (Rumput Lilit Kain)

Psidium guineense x guajava with maroon red at the underside of leaves.

Syzygium antisepticum (Shore Eugenia) with reddish-yellow new leaves.

Syzygium zeylanicum (Spicate Eugenia)

Tristaniopsis merguensis (Pelawan Tundak)

Right: Tristaniopsis obovata (Sea Tristania) & Close-up of trunk
Left: Caesalpinia ferrea (Leopard Tree)

Tristaniopsis whiteana (River Tristania)

Existing Samanea saman (Rain Tree) with overhanging canopies, give ones a tropical feel.

Existing trees are home to many diverse epiphytes.

Landscape up-lighters are incorporated into creek design to illuminate the boulder and softscape during nightfall; it furthers add an aesthetic value to the creek.

Existing trees, such as Samanea saman (Rain Tree) along Evans Road/Cluny Road and within the car park areas provide shade to the new shrubs underneath its umbrella-shaped canopy. The existing tree provide a matured look and 'nostalgic feel' to the overall landscape setting. Together with the new landscape, it continues to sustain the microclimate for the existing fauna and flora (epiphytes such as Hoya sp, ferns and orchids).

Pavement in timber looked-alike finish, leads visitors to the pond area at

round-about (Map Location 'D'). Tourists can be seen enjoying the

pond while waiting for the coaches at the same time.

Pond at closer view. Diversity in aquatic plant species are used to create the water garden.

I personally think that the new landscape have succeeded in adding a soft touch to the otherwise hard-paved car parks. At the same time it also provides serenity to a garden for one's quiet contemplation.

Oncidium Hybrids

2011-02-01T23:08:00.005+08:00

Happy Lunar New Year!

In this 'Golden' festive season, I would like to share with you a few of my favorite oncidium (文心兰) hybrids or commonly known as 'dancing lady' (跳舞兰) for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Onc. Goldiana

Onc.(sphacelatum x flexuosum)

Onc. Gower Ramsey 'Sunkist'

Onc.(Goldiana x Golden Guinea)

Onc. Gower Ramsey 'Lemon Heart'

(Cyrtocidium Sum Wai Woh x Oncidium Concolor)

Group photo: Onc. Gower Ramsey 'Sunkist' & 'Lemon Heart'

Onc. Millennium Gold

Onc. (Nona x Varimyre)

Bulbophyllum medusae

2011-01-28T19:11:00.028+08:00

Bulbophyllum medusae

R(Lindley) Rchb.f. 1861

Section Corymbosa (Bl) Avery.1994

Flower buds waiting for the 'big hair' day

Cluster of flower buds

This spectacular orchid, Bulbophyllum medusae or common known as 'Medusa's Bulbophyllum' with snake or mop-like flower with reference to Gorgon Medusa's head of snakes (as featured in Greek's tale 'Clash of The Titans').

It is a warm to hot growing lowland Bulbophyllum species and its habitat range from Malaysia, Thailand to Indonesia. It is also a native orchid of Singapore, but now the orchid is quite rare due to urbanization.

Flower: top view

Fortunately, our National Parks Board(NPARKS) have been making an effort to re-introduce many uncommon native orchids back to the existing trees in parks and city areas for the past recent years, under their orchid conservation program.

Each pseudobulb is capable of bearing clusters of over 20 beige yellow flowers with sepals of at least 12 cm in length. Fine red spots on the flower petal as well as the yellow lip are a distinct characteristic of this orchid. An albino form of the plant without spots on its flower is also known to exist.

It resembles Bulbophyllum vaginatum, but Bulbophyllum medusae have bigger flower and longer sepal.

I have observed the orchid's flowering period at my balcony is between the cooler months of late October - November. It also requires a brighter condition to bloom as compared to most of the Bulbophyllum species.

Comparison between Bulbophyllum vaginatum (left) and Bulbophyllum medusae (right)

Flower: Close-up view

Plant in bloom is a beautiful sight to behold!

I would also like to introduce you a Youtube video showing the flowering stage of bulbophyllum medusae shot on time lapse. Enjoy!