Friday Orchid Blogging

Phal. Haur Jin Diamond 'Ching Hua'

This is a beautiful plant I bought at a home show here in DC probably 3 years ago. The plant has never thrived under my care, but it hasn't died either. Just kind of limps along, growing VERY slowly. And this year it finally flowered. Sure, it only has two flowers (one is still coming, so only one is in bloom), and sure, it should have like 10 flowers, but I remember now why I bought this plant. I mean, is that a great flower or what? Some people hate this style of orchid, called "harlequin." It's a genetic mutation that was cultivated, and now there are tons of these splotchy harlequin orchids around. I've always loved them. So, while I'm still a bit annoyed that my plants is still baby sized (it should be huge at this point), I'm really happy to see that it can flower, and that the flowers are so grand. Really a lovely plant. Oh, I've also posted another picture, below, of the entire plant. Orchid people don't often publish the entire plant, you'll often only see the flowers (at least in this country - in Japan, you'll often see the entire plant in photos). It kind of gives you more perspective on the flower, I think. Enjoy. JOHN