Trini Garden

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Orange Amaryllis

I am very fond of the amaryllis as it was one of the first plants I grew when I started gardening as a tween. I had rescued some peach coloured amaryllis type bulbs from a neighbour who dumped them. Although not as spectacular as the Dutch type hybrids available today, they did well. Quite hardy, they multiplied and bloomed well. Unfortunately, due to several projects around the house over the years, the garden bed where they grew was destroyed. It's possible that a bulb or two may have survived and are dormant for now.

The amaryllises around here are mostly single reds and a couple other passalong cultivars of varying colours. Grouped together in gardens beds in full sun, established plants seem to bloom on cue at certain times of the year. Thus "forcing" these bulbs to produce blooms is rarely practiced here.

Amaryllis plants are occasionally available for sale and imported bulbs even less so. Two years ago I purchased some bulbs when they became available. I got several varieties but all were not true to name. I didn't keep proper labels so each bloom is a mystery unless it is a particularly recognizable cultivar. Two years after their initial blooms, one bulb decided to grace me with a bloom. I guess I could get regular blooms if I "force" the bulbs, but I'll leave them as is and just enjoy their randomness.

This amaryllis bloomed in all its orange glory fittingly for Halloween.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - September 2013

This is almost the Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day post that never was. My internet connection at home is having technical issues yet unresolved. These photos were taken quickly under overcast conditions. However, I am a garden blogger and must persevere!

Purple hard-cane dendrobium orchid

White chrysanthemum

Pink chrysanthemum

Shared with:

Floral Friday Fotos

Floral Love

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day

I Heart Macro

Macro Monday 2

Today's Flowers

Weekend Flowers

Sunday, September 01, 2013

Phalaenopsis - Dtps Sogo Golden 'A07867'

Probably the most common and popular orchid in temperate regions, phalaenopsis orchids aren't kept as much as hard-cane dendrobiums, vandas, cattleyas and epidendrums in the Tropics.

I don't have much experience with phals. I've tended to stay away from them in favour of hard-cane dendrobiums.

This little doritaenopsis is a recent impulse purchase. The foliage was damaged but it had a keiki and two developing spikes.

One spike produced three flowers and the other only two. Not very floriferous but the medium-small yellow flowers look nice on the compact plant.

Keep phals out of direct sunlight and fertilize lightly but regularly. The potting media must be free draining but never allow it to completely dry out.

Shared With:

Floral Friday Fotos

Floral Love

I Heart Macro

Macro Monday 2

Today's Flowers

Weekend Flowers

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Dieffenbachia

An indoor foliage plant in temperate regions, dieffenbachia is well suited to the tropics. It is a very common potted plant and is occasionally found in shade gardens. Cultivars range from dwarf varieties to others reaching more than five feet in height, in various shades and combinations of green, yellow, white, cream and silver. It is an attractive and strong grower.

Dieffenbachias are great for novices and those who only have time for one or two potted plants.

Dieffenbachias are low maintenance and suffer from few problems. Plant in well draining soil as improper drainage can lead to rot which spreads and can decimate the whole plant. The plants are not affected too much from occasional under-watering. Place in shade though some cultivars can handle more light than others. Fertilize lightly.

Top shoots or stems with at least a few nodes can be rooted in moist soil. This usually takes a couple of weeks.

Care should be taken when handling the plant. The sap is toxic and causes painful rashes, allergic reactions, numbness, and even the temporary inability to speak or paralysis if ingested. Keep away from children and pets.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - August 2013

After several months of never quite getting the timing right due to several factors, I am finally participating in Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day for the first time. I guess this makes me a veteran garden blogger now. Hehe.