Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Bifrenaria harrisoniae orchid

This popular orchid has been in cultivation for a very long time, being one of the first one's introduced to England during 1821 and since been popular with orchid growers all over the world.

A native of Brazil, it grows on rocks and trees in warm, humid rain-forests. Its loved for its wideley-opening, waxy flowers which are usually cream with magenta color labellum. They have a strong fragrance, angular pseudobulbs and large, thick leaves. This orchid require bright light and gentle air movement to flower well. Watering needs to be rather heavy when plants are in active growth, but then sparingly after the growth have matured and during cool temperatures and short days of winter.

These orchids are relatively easy to grow but can suffer a setback from repotting and hence should be repotted only when absolutely necessary.

This orchid and me now reached an understanding - I got it a few years ago and in its first year, after a few months, moved it from one growing container into another and could not understand why in its first couple of years with me it would not flower. All I got very nice, green fleshy leaves, that's all. But once its established in its new situation its started flowering and flowered every year since then in summer. Ahhh... so much to learn from these beautiful plants.

7 comments:

  1. Came over to thank you for becoming a follower of PICTURES JUST PICTURES. I'm pleased. It's so very encouraging!

    Lucy

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  2. I am glad I stopped by to see your lovely flowers. The Stanhopea (previous post) is impressive.

    It is funny about the Bifrenaria not flowering. Sometimes I think I love my plants to death, literally.

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  3. Klara, It sounds like you treat your orchids as if they are human! Like they understand you when you give them time to 'be themselves' and you learn something from them, as well:) A very interesting relationship you have with them. But they are alive, afterall, and maybe there is something to treating them that way. It's true that plants seem to respond to touch, or to a human voice...so, they way YOU are able to do it, Klara, adds a really extra special touch!
    Jan

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  4. Thank you Jan for your kind comments but I learn so much from my orchids as well and just want to see and experience the beauty of these magical plants.
    There is much drama, suspence, mystery and discoveries in orchids cultivation and finding out about their purpose and place in Nature. I am just trying to exchange knowledge.

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  5. klara, Thank you for introducing me to your blog. The beauty of your orchids were the perfect answer to the frigid weather we are experiencing in the Midwest.My daughter-in-law is also native to Brazil and she as lovely as the orchid you wrote about today! Sheila

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  6. Thank you sheila for visiting my blog and for allowing me to introduce you to these beautiful natural creations.

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