COS Plant of the Month

COS Plant of the Month
Members are encouraged to bring flowering plants to our meetings.
These are discussed and one is voted
"The Plant of the Month."

DATE: March 2008 PLANT: Phalaenopsis (Taiwan Fancy x Dtps. Hainlyn) GROWER: Mim Reisberg Hybrid Phalaenopsis have become America's new favorite houseplant according to floral industry sources. In the last few years many beautiful hybrids have been made availible at reasonable cost from commercial greenhouses in tropical climates. The finest examples of modern breeding are propagated by cloning and we receive only "The Best". This month's POM is an example of an as yet unregistered hybrid that ranks with "The Best".
DATE: February 2008 PLANT: Cymbidium Mini Sarah 'Pearl Falls' GROWER: Bernard Gerrard We have here a fine example of the increasingly popular "miniature" type of Cymbidium. The "miniature" descriptive is relative only to "standard" since the earlier hybrids of this type were far from small in plant size although they did have smaller flowers than the standards. Cymbidium Mini Sarah is decidedly less tall than standards and older style miniatures. It is a generous bloomer and of vigorous growth. The pendulous spikes are dense with pure white well formed flowers.
DATE: January 2008 PLANT: Brassolaeliocattleya Fuchs Orange Nuggett GROWER: Eric Wiles This flat, bright orange Blc. was an instant favorite. A check on its geneology revealed that when all the elements of the complex background were analyzed, it is 50% Cattleya aurantiaca which explains the brilliant orange coloration. This bit of research also brought to light the fact that according to current taxonomy this cross is not a Brassolaeliocattlya but a Thwaitesara! This has come about due to the reclassification of some former Cattlyas (including Cattlya aurantica) as Guarianthe, some Brassavolas as Rhyncholaelia and some rupicolous Laelias as Sophronitis. Members of these reclassified species are found in Fuchs Orange Nuggett hence a new intergeneric hybrid name. (Photo by Sarah Hurdel.)
DATE: December 2007 PLANT: Dendrobium Green Lantern GROWER: Bill Ellis Dendrobium Green Lantern (Den. Dawn Maree x Den. cruentum) is a lovely example of Dendrobium hybridizing in the nigro-hirsute section. This hybrid is 75% Den. cruentum and favors this species in appearance. Dendrobium. Green Lantern grows best under intermediate conditions and bright indirect light. Use a porous free draining medium and pot small for the plant size. (The POM for December was a tie with Paphiopedilum insigne var. Harefield Hall below.)
DATE: December 2007 PLANT: Paphiopedilum insigne var. Harefield Hall GROWER: Bernard Gerrard Paphiopedilum insigne grows in leaf litter at 3,000-4,000 feet altitude in the Northern Himalayas and Nepal. In cultivation this orchid is an easy grower in any regular Paph growing mix at intermediate temperatures in light shade with only slight drying between waterings. Expect reliable flowering in late fall and early winter. Paphiopedilum insigne was first bloomed in cultivation in 1820 and has been widely used as a breeding parent since the beginning of orchid hybridizing. To date it is in the lineage of 15,127 Paphiopedilum hybrids. Variety "Harefield Hall", awarded in 1897, has larger and more strongly colored flowers.
DATE: November 2007 PLANT: Trichosalpinx blaisdellii GROWER: Robert Brundrett Trichosalpinx blaisdellii is an minature pleurothallid found in evergreen rain forest from Central Mexico south to Ecuador. The altitude at which this orchid grows, 600-7500 feet (200-2500 meters), indicates that it can be grown in cool to warm temperatures provided the other requirements of humidity and light are met. (The POM for November,2007 was a tie with Beallara Tahoma Glacier "Ithan" below.)
DATE: November 2007 PLANT: Beallara Tahoma Glacier "Ithan" GROWER: Peter Carroci Beallaras are a deservedly popular intergeneric hybrid of the Oncidium group comprising elements of the spieces Brassia, Cochlioda, Miltonia and Odontoglossum. Beallara Tahoma Glacier (Miltassia Cartagena X Odontioda Alaskan Sunset) has a produced a number of excellent clones, one of which is shown here. Intergeneric hybrids of this type exhibit the desireable traits of hybrid vigor, temperature tolerance and showy flowers.
DATE: October 2007 PLANT: Lycaste lasioglossa GROWER: Bill Ellis Lycaste lasioglossa is one the impressive large Lycastes found growing in cloud forests (4,000-5,000 ft) in Guatamala, Honduras, El Salvador and southern Mexico. Lycastes, both species and hybrids, are rewarding plants to grow provided their culture requirements are met. The current issue of Orchid Digest (Vol 71-4) has extensive coverage of the species and the latest in hybrids including detailed cultural information.
DATE: September 2007 PLANT: Dendrobium bigibbum ssp. compactum GROWER: Bill Ellis Dendrobium bigibbum ssp. compactum, one of the sub-species of Dendrobium bigibbum, has evolved into a compact form due to the harsh, exposed lithophytic conditions it grows in in Australia. This desireable species has terminal inflorescences, blooms in the fall or twice a year and is evergreen for several years. Grow warm year around (60 degree F. minimum) in medium light. They grow well with Phaelenopsis. Water heavily and fertilize when in active growth but reduce both when new growth is complete.
DATE: June 2007 PLANT: Dendrobium pulchellum GROWER: Mim Reisberg Dendrobium pulchellum "The Charming Dendrobium" is a large epiphytic species found growing in an extensive area of South-East Asia. This Dendrobium is a robust grower in bright intermediate to warm conditions requiring a cooler, dryer period in winter to produce a good flowering in the spring. An open well-drained medium and generous fertilizing when activly growing completes the cultural requirements.
DATE: May 2007 PLANT: Miltoniopsis Lady Snow "Paper Doll" AM/AOS GROWER: Bernard Gerrard Miltoniopsis species and hybrids are highly desireable orchids but their popularity is diminished by being difficult to maintain by growers in warmer climates. The species Miltoniopsis are found in the Andes and require cool to intermediate culture with even moisture in a well drained medium. Miltoniopsis Lady Snow (Mps. endresii x Mps. Edwige Sabourin) is 50% Mps. endresii, 42% Mps, vexillaria, 7% Mps. roezlii and 1% "unknown". This clone is floriferous with a lovely fragrance.
DATE: April 2007 PLANT: Catasetum callosum GROWER: Robert Brundrett Catasetum is a genus of up to 100 species of new world epiphytes with large pseudobulbs and thin textured, deciduous leaves (in cultivation the leaves often do not drop before the new growth so the plant is never actually leafless. Catasetums are most noted for their separate male and female flowers; the male flowers forcefully expelling the pollinia with attached sticky pad when the antennae on the column are touched. Catasetum callosum is native to Brazil. This clone is an 'alba' and many plants have flowers with darker colors. I brought this plant to show because it has one inflorescence of rarely seen female flowers along with several of male flowers.The female flowers of Catasetums have a helmet shaped lip on top. The male flowers can be similar or very different as with this species. The plant is grown with bright light and heat (it hangs high in the greenhouse) with less water given in winter. (Photo by Sarah Hurdel.)
DATE: March 2007 Catoctin Orchid Society Exhibit at the Maryland Orchid Society Annual Show Our exhibit won a second class ribbon in its class. In addition several plants in the display received ribbon recognition.
DATE: February 2007 PLANT: Paphiopedilum lowii GROWER: Dr. Eric Wiles A beautifully grown plant of Paphiopedilum lowii was selected as the Plant of the Month for February. This desireable Paphiopedilum is an epiphytic or lithophytic species found in Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Malaya and Borneo. The geographical distribution indicates warm to hot growing conditions and the authorities state that the plants grows in intermitent full sun. (Photo by Sarah Hurdel.)
DATE: January 2007 PLANT: Paphinia Majestic GROWER: Becky Weiler The genus Paphinia is a group of about 12 epiphytic species related to Stanhopea and Gongora and are found growing in intermediate to warm locations in Central and South America. Since the inflorescence is pendant, Paphinia is best grown in a basket or mesh pot with a moisture retentive medium like NZ sphagnum moss. There are few hybrids within this group but obviously Paphinia Majestic (Paphinia cristata x Paphinia herrerae) is a winner and should encourage more hybridizing within this group. (Photo by Sarah Hurdel.)
DATE: December 2006 PLANT: Rhynchostylis retusa GROWER: Dr. Eric Wiles Rhynchostylis retusa is a warm to hot growing monopodial species allied to Vanda that is found in Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. The flowering period is winter/spring with the fragrant flowers presented on a pendant inflorescence. Culture is the same as Vanda; loose media in a basket with regular watering. A number of interesting hybrids have been made with this and allied species in the Vanda family.
DATE: November 2006 PLANT: Aerangis biloba GROWER: Dr. Eric Wiles Eric Wiles magnificent specimen of Aerangis biloba is a hot to warm growing, epiphytic species from tropical western and central African forests, woodland and thickets, as well as on cultivated crops such as coffee and cocoa. It blooms in the spring and summer on axillary, 4" to 16" long, pendant or arching racemes that carry from 2 to 20, waxy, fragrant, long-lived flowers. Culture requires high humidity and moderate shade. It can be grown in a pot with a bark mix or mounted on cork or treefern.
DATE: October 2006 PLANT: Burrageara Living Fire "Glowing Embers" GROWER: Kim Abbot Burragerara is a man-made quadrageneric hybrid (Cochlioda, Miltonia, Odontoglossum and Oncidium). A number of these hybrids exhibit a beautiful and desireable red color derived from the Cochlioda species. The Oncidium species imparts warmth tolerance. Burragearas should not be allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
DATE: September 2006 PLANT: Dendrobium Yellow Chinsai, var. Little Joe GROWER: Eric Wiles This lovely hybrid Dendrobium is a crossing of Dendrobium Chinsai x Dendrobium heterocarpum. Dendrobium Chinsai is (Dendrobium moniliforme x Dendrobium unicum). The species Dendrobium heterocarpum and Dendrobium moniliforme come from widespread habitats from NE Asia and the minature Dendrobium unicum from warmer regions of Vietnam, Laos, Burma and Thailand. The result of this breeding gives us a modest sized plant with abundant flowers adapted to various growing temperatures.
DATE: June 2006 PLANT: (Vanda Fuchs Blue x Vanda Dr. Anek) GROWER: Rainie Dasch This beautiful as yet unnamed Vanda is a first bloom seedling submitted by Rainie Dasch. A search of the parentage of this new hybrid would have led one to think that the flowers might have been blue but hybridizing is full of surprises and a rich burgundy color came through in this clone.
DATE: May 2006 PLANT: Paphiopedilum bellatulum GROWER: Robert Brundrett Paphiopedilum is a genus of about 70 species found in asia and the pacific islands. Whether Papiopedilum and the other slipper "orchids" should be included in the Orchidaceae is debatable. I think bellatulum is the prettiest of the paphs and the name bellatulum means pretty. This paph is found in Thailand and Burma growing on limestone cliffs. The inflorescences are naturally pendent. This species has a reputation for being difficult to grow, and I have killed several over the years. I have had this plant for four years. I grow it shady and on the dry side. Since I have not dared to repot it, I do not know what ingredients other than fir bark may lurk in the bottom of the pot. I now add magnesium sulfate to my water and hope this is the secret to my recent success.his attractive DATE: April 2006 PLANT: Dendrobium farmeri GROWER: Bernard Gerrard This attractive Dendrobium is found in the southeast Himalayas through Burma and Malaysia in forests at elevations of 300-1,000 meters (900-3,000 ft). The habitat is monsoonal therefore a dry rest in winter is in order.
DATE: March 2006 PLANT: Epidendrum (Pacific Girl x Pacific Ember) GROWER: Donna Russell The Summer 2005 (69:3) issue of Orchid Digest had an excellent account of the hybridizing of reedstem epidendrums undertaken by Cal-Orchid nursery over the last twenty years, based on breeding done in Japan and Hawaii. Using five or six ancestral species, they have developed many new plants like the one blooming here (for the first time). It is Epi. Pacific Girl 'Primavera' AM/AOS x Pacific Ember 'Mini Mighty,' offspring of Epi. Eagle Valley and Star Valley, both of which are based on Epi. radicans, cinnabarinum, and erectum.
DATE: February 2006 PLANT: Brassoepidendrum Pseudosa GROWER: Bernard Gerrard There was no official POM this month because our regular meeting was canceled. The Editor of this site decided to fill the space filled with a personal choice. Primary hybrids of two related species often give, at best, a lovely novelty with the simple charm of their parents. The plant pictured is a cross of the species Brassavola nodosa x Epidendrum pseudepidendrum and exhibits floral and plant characteristics midway between the two parents. The yellow lip is hard and wax-like and the flowers are long lasting. The plant is easy growing, tidy and blooms a couple of times a year. Encyclia/Epidendrum intergeneric crosses are deservably becoming more popular.
DATE: January 2006 PLANT: Aerangis luteo-alba var. rhodosticta GROWER: Eric Wiles A wide spread African species, however rather uncommon. The plant has dark green leaves on a short stem with leaves numbering from just two to a few. Flowers are borne on long arching racemes, white to cream with a red, very contrasting, column. They are unscented with a short nectary. They tolerate intermediate temperatures and appreciate a humid environment. I grew this plant under a fluorescent lighting in my kitchen on gravel trays with tri-weekly watering and daily to every other day misting. The plant is great for in home growing as it is a miniature and very showy.
DATE: December 2005 PLANT: Paphiopedilum F. C. Puddle FCC/RHS GROWER: Bernard Gerrard Paphiopedilum F. C. Puddle (P. Astarte X P. Acteus) was registered in 1932 and named after the hybridizer. The cultivar ‘Bodnant’ was submitted to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in 1933 where it received a First Class Certificate (FCC). This clone proved so popular with growers and hybridizers that divisions of the original have been available ever since. Indeed the plant pictured as our December POM is one of these divisions and has been in the possession of the grower since the mid 1970’s. The potential for breeding quality white Paphs was quickly recognized and to date the registration data shows this clone to have been used 203 times as a parent with subsequent progeny listed as 1,294 hybrids! Paph. F.C. Puddle FCC/RHS blooms reliably in December and is an easy grower using standard Paphiopedilum care. It can be said that Paph. F.C. Puddle FCC/RHS is a cornerstone cultivar in the development of modern white and pink colored Paphiopedilum hybrids.
DATE: November 2005 PLANT: Miltassia Charles M. Fitch "Izumi" GROWER: Bernard Gerrard Intergeneric hybrids within the species of the Oncidium group of orchids have become increasing popular with orchid growers and the general public. The use of Brazilian Miltonias and various Brassia species in breeding programs has introduced warmth tolerance into the gene pool and so have made this group an option for windowsill culture and growers in warmer climates. Miltassia Charles M. Fitch "Izumi", here pictured, is an example of this trend. The parents of Miltassia Charles M. Fitch are Brassia verrucosa x Miltonia spectabilis. First registered in 1961, this hybrid has been subsequently used 34 times as a parent.
DATE: October 2005 PLANT: Cattleya bowringiana GROWER: Bernard Gerrard Cattleya bowringiana is native to the Central American countries of Belize and Guatemala where it is found growing as a lithophyte growing in full sun, as a terrestrial and as an epiphyte in trees at altitudes from sea level to 3,500 feet. The ability to grow in such varied environments makes C. bowringiana one of the most popular Cattleya species in cultivation since they require no special treatment. This plant is grown in a mesh basket with coarse coconut chips and summered outdoors with ample sun and water while in active growth. This year there were five new 24" growths that produced 10 flowers on each spike. A plant collected legally in Belize three years ago as a seedling growing on rocks in a river bed, although only 7" tall, currently has 3 flowers on two growths. C. bowringiana has been used extensively in hybridizing with C. Portia and C. Porcia being highly acclaimed. This Cattleya species is highly recommended for both the beauty of its flowers and ease of culture.
DATE: September 2005 PLANT: Aerangis kotschyana GROWER: Bob Brundrett The genus Aerangis has about sixty species, about half in Madagascar and half in continental Africa. Aerangis kotschyana is wide spread in tropical Africa and is considered to be one of the nicest members of the genus. Like most of the other angracoid orchids, Aerangis kotschyana has white, long spurred, moth pollenated flowers which are strongly scented at night. Because it grows at low altitude and high up in trees, this Aerangis requires warmth and brighter light (but still shaded) than many others in the genus. In general, Aerangis do not grow well in pots and should be grown on slabs. My plant is on cork bark.
DATE: June 2005 PLANT: Dendrobium lindleyanum [syn. aggregatum] GROWER: Bernard Gerrard This attractive Dendrobium grows as an epiphyte in the Himalayan regions. The climate in these parts is "monsoonal" which means that, after a wet and warm summer growing season, a dryer cooler winter period is necessary to iniciate flowering.
DATE: May 2005 PLANT: Encyclia Chiapas GROWER: Donna Russell This charming primary hybrid Encyclia is composed of two of the most attractive members of this genus, Encyclia adenocaule x Encyclia cordigera. Easy growing with a delicious fragrance.
DATE: April 2005 PLANT: Tricocentrum tigrinum GROWER: Martha Caldwell Tricocentrum tigrum is a beautiful species in the Oncidinae group found in seasonly dry forests on the western slopes of the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Andes.
DATE: February 2005 PLANT: Ascocentrum miniatum GROWER: Rainie Dasch Ascocentrum miniatum is a plant in the vanda group and is found growing as an epiphyte in many parts of the Himalayan region and SE Asia. In addition to being attractive by itself, it has been used extensivley in breeding with Vandas forming the group called Ascocendas. Ascocentrums crossed with Vandas give more compact plants that are free flowering and colorful.
DATE: January 2005 PLANT: Sophrocattleya Crystelle Smith GROWER: Bernard Gerrard Miniature hybrid Cattleyas are winners for those who have limited space. Of the many intergeneric hybrids of this sort, Sc. Crystelle Smith is one of the best. The illustrated plant is a mericlone. This type often blooms more than once a year which is an added bonus.
DATE: December 2004 PLANT: Burrageara Nelly Isler GROWER: Bernard Gerrard Complex hybrids in the Oncidinae family are vigorous, easy growers with highly colored "pansy" type flowers. Burrageara is a quadrageneric hybrid (Cochlioda, Miltonia, Odontoglossum and Oncidium). Burr. Nelly Isler blooms reliably in December and occasionally at other times of the year.