Wardian Case miniature garden

I've always wanted one of these Wardian Cases but found them either too big or way too expensive to purchase. This small one (only 12" long) had a price tag of almost 70$!! BUT I managed to get a huge discount because the greenhouse was getting ready for winter and decided to have a clearance in their tropicals dept.  Patience can pay off...

Ever wondered what a developing orchid flower spike looks like?

I get frequent emails and message inquiring about orchid spikes and how to care for them. So, I thought I'd take a series of photos showing the development of my Adaglossum orchid flower spike.

You can see the first picture, the emerging spike just in between the leaves.

 In this photo below, the individual buds have started to swell, and the arrangement of the buds looks somewhat like a braid!

Now we can see a much taller spike, with the individual buds clearly separated on the stalk as they continue to develop inside.

And finally some blooms!! This orchid is Adaglossum "Summit Frenchtown"

 

Dark wine Phalaenopsis with white lip

Beautiful contrast on this ruffled edge phal! The white labellum and border around the slightly frilly petals/sepals are quite showy. What is not to love??