Barbosella dusenii

Barbosella is genus of creeping orchids comprised of about 20 species widespread from Central America to Brazil. This translucent miniature is from Brazil and flowers randomly throughout the year. The flower measures less than 1/4 inch across.

Neofinetia falcata

Neofinetia falcata is an epiphytic orchid native to Japan. The "Samurai Orchid" has been long treasured by Japanese royalty for it's foliage and fragrance.  Samurai warriors would travel for miles in search for this tiny orchid to bring back to the royal court. This species is still held in the highest regard today, with some cultivars commanding prices in the thousands of dollars. In Japan this orchid is commonly known as Fu-ran "The Wind Orchid" or Fuki-ran which means "Rich and Noble Orchid". This wonderfully fragrant orchid can fill a room with it's vanilla-like scent, especially at dawn and dusk. For this reason it is my favorite orchid to grow. 

 

The plant can be grown in a small pot or mounted on cork or hardwood. It grows slowly, but they have strong vital energy. The best place for Neofinetia falcata is a shady and airy place. They need at least 50% shade. It is a hardy plant that can handle very cold temperatures in the winter as long as it's kept dry, and hot temperatures in the summer as long as it's wet. They usually flower in the end of summer into fall.

Dendrobium tobaense

Dendrobium tobaense is another wonder from the 'Nigro-Hirsute' group. This amazing species was discovered in Sumatra in 1993. The long white appendage off the bright orange lip is quite unusual.

Dendrobium charpaense

This Dendrobium species belongs to a group know as the 'Nigro-Hirsute' type. The name refers to the black hairs on the canes. Dendrobiums prefer an abundance of light, but not direct sun. A lightly shaded south window is best. It is always best to water orchids in the morning so the plant can dry out before night.

Dendrobium delacourii

My first post is this small Dendrobium species. Dendrobium delacourii is native to Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Dendrobium is a huge genus with over 1,000 species. The name is from the Greek dendron (tree) and bios (life); it means "one who lives on trees". They have adapted to a wide variety of habitats, from the high altitudes in the Himalayan mountains to lowland tropical forests and even to the dry climate of the Australian desert. This little species is only about 1/2" across , and it has been blooming for almost two months. It has an interesting fringed lip and no fragrance.