Everything is coming up Orchids!

After all of the holiday decorations are packed away here in SW Florida,  its time for the phalenopsis orchids planted on the  palm trees to take center stage for a while.  As many of you know, I adhere orchids of all kinds as well as bromeliads to the palm trees with panty hose.  To disguise the hose,  I use  live moss which is wild down here and the look is lush and tropical.  Its best to start the project right before rainy season starts and by the time Fall comes around, the orchids are attached and getting nutrients from the trees.
Light is key for the flowers to bloom.  Phals like light but not sun..too much sun and the leaves will burn.  Dendrobiums can handle more sun.  They are in our back trees and in late Fall they are in bloom en masse.  Coming from up north, seeing a tropical flower in bloom darting out from the middle of a palm tree is a real treat, that I never tire of.

 The tree on the right was a test to see if the light was correct.  So now, this June I can keep on filling it in.  The one below has 7 spikes on it!  The 2 large ones on the front are easy to see the others are still small.

If you haven't delved into this form of Florida gardening, I highly encourage you to start.  Its easy and the blooms last for at least 6 weeks.  Hopefully, we will not have any freezes!  If so, they make great cut flowers.

On Saturday, Jan. 26  I will be with the girls from Petunias of Naples from 12- 5
852 Fifth Ave South  (403-3550.)  Claudette & Lisa-Jo have been providing the latest fashions and unbeatable service to their clients since 1990.  I will have an assortment of heart Botanistix gift items for Valentines Day.  See you there.