Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Dancing ladies

These dancing ladies (yellow Oncidiums) grow on a live oak a few blocks from my house where they appear to be extremely happy. I've watched them grow over the years and have always been surprised they do so well because I thought Oncidiums needed much more light.

I hope the homeowners cut the Epipremnum back before it strangles the orchids.

My own DLs, including this one with giant flowers (I have no idea what its name is) have mostly finished flowering, so it was nice to see those in the oak still going strong.

10 comments:

Floridagirl said...

What an awesome sight! When I first saw your photo, I marveled that anything could survive the onslaught of a pothos vine. (My ancient oak is smothered in it.) Then I read further. I agree with you. That vine needs to be cut w-a-a-a-a-y back! Your DL's are gorgeous, by the way.

Ami said...

Wow, I am always amazed by the orchids growing on the tree. What a beautiful orchid! Love your DL, the color combination and the flower shape is so pretty!

Terra Mirabilis said...

Thanks, folks. I think pothos is listed as an invasive species, now. I don't even like it as a houseplant, although I probably grew it in England.

My giant DL is (was) an amazing electric yellow. Personally, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that color, but I'm very happy the orchid likes it!

Steve Asbell said...

I have some of these as well! I've always considered planting them outdoors, since their pseudobulbs make for very tough plants. Maybe I can mount them on a tree and wrap pine straw over them with twine in the winter... I'd love to say that I can grow orchids on trees in zone 9!

Terra Mirabilis said...

Steve, you may be able to if you give them a bit of extra care if a frost threatens. All the ones I have -- and obviously the ones in the post -- survived our freeze.

TOG said...

I grow this too. You can see mine on the internet: http://togofcoralgables.com/FlowersofMay.aspx

Or else you could walk around the Merrick House block and find it in a front yard.

Terra Mirabilis said...

Beautiful, TOG. What are the red ones growing with the DLs?

NanaK said...

The orchids growing in the tree is such a great picture of south Florida. Your close-up of your dancing ladies shows why they were given their name. The shape of the lady is so clear.

Kimberly said...

WOW! I'm amazed at your photos!! How gorgeous!! I think I live too far north to grow orchids directly in the tree all year round. I'd certainly consider myself blessed beyond blessed if I could grow one like that! Your macro is beautiful!! Have a great weekend!

Terra Mirabilis said...

Thanks, Kimberly! I'm always rather surprised when photos turn out well. Thank heavens for editing software.

BTW, if you're not a follower, Susan, author of Central Florida Gardener, http://centralfloridagardener.blogspot.com, has great guest posts about photographing plants.