February's Orchids

Each month I like to photograph the orchids that are blooming. I do this for two reasons...to keep track of how long they bloom...and in what month. The following 4 started blooming last month, and are still in bloom despite having spent much of the month inside due to nighttime temps below 50 degrees. The orchids and the flowers don't fare too well indoors...dry air....and less watering. They definitely miss being sprayed down by the garden hose 3 to 4 times a week.

The cattleyas (top two) amaze me...their flowers generally don't last very long.

This phaleonopsis opened its buds the first week of February. I eagerly awaited the slow unveiling...that's one nice thing about having them indoors... of its contents because I knew it contained a surprise inside. And, I wasn't dissapointed when I saw its purple speckled face.

Here's a close up look at all those wonderful deep purple speckles...or perhaps in the orchid world they're called...freckles.

And, here's a new addition to the family. I stopped by Lowe's in search of a River birch tree, and...of course... I had to go over to the orchid table to see what's new. I'm sure you know what I mean...for some reason that table keeps calling my name. Even though there's the usual plants there...lavender, white...you know...the basics, I still HAVE to go and check it out. I'm always hoping there's an unusual one there.

As I did a quick scan with my eyes...there were lots of them...right before Valentine's day....this petite soft-colored phaleonopsis kept catching my eye. Ahh, I don't really need another orchid....but this one is just so delicate and petite...I don't have one this small. Of course, in the cart it went. :-)

Really...I mean it...who could resist this sweet little face, especially so close to Valentine's Day!