Look at last year's entries on 11/01/08 and especially 12/12/08.This year is, therefore, quite early. We've noticed the buds for the past few weeks and we were surprised this morning to find the plant on the back porch in full bloom.
I'm a little confused by exactly what it is, though. I always thought it was a Cymbidium orchid but I'm beginning to think it might be a common Cattleya orchid (the traditional "corsage" orchid). Anyone know for sure?
The plant seems to love basking in the shade of the north side of our back porch. It gets very muted sunshine beneath a large maple tree. Mom is careful to water and fertilize the plant and will bring it back inside when the weather begins to turn cold. It spends each winter on our south-facing enclosed porch.
I bought the plant at an orchid show at the Dayton Mall in the early 1990's. So the plant has been here at Pinehaven for nearly 20 years. I don't remember a single one of those years when it hasn't bloomed.
For those who think orchids are hard to care for, think again. It's a plant that rarely complains and offers a bounteous show each year.
