Orchids

The palm trees are gone. I needed to find a new home for the orchids that hung on their trunks.  I saved them all before the trees went down. They were suffering from the heat, lack of water ( due to low water pressure), and neglect. Their pots were stuffed with dead roots, a few frogs had taken up residence in the pots that were full of dirt  (something  that orchids don't like -  dirt not frogs), and they hadn't been trimmed or fertilized for a long time. Yes, I know I am retired and should have the time to dote on these plants but I am lazy and let them go to hell.  So now I am doing penance. 

We got a trellis and I spent two days painting it.  I cleaned up all the orchids, cut them down and repotted them into bark which is their preferred growing material. That took me days, again because I am lazy. I finally got them hung.  Rick ran a drip system to each pot and now they have a nice sort-of-shady spot to grow. I have a few more to rescue off the mango tree and from a planter.  These orchids I inherited when we bought the house.  So I feel responsible to grow and love them.

 

One of my favorites is already blooming. It's a sign that I am doing the right thing.  I love it when my orchids bloom.  It's like magic because they grow from absolutely nothing just a small root base and leaves.  The flowers are so spectacular and very special to me.  I have five different varieties.  I am looking forward to when they all bloom because then I know they are happy campers.