Before we review the anatomical anomaly in fuller detail, it should be known that Dendrobium flowers typically have 2 petals, 3 sepals and 1 lip (actually a modified petal). Anatomically speaking, a flower is enclosed by 3 sepals (within a flower bud); and through the process of blooming, the inner surface of the Sepal is showcased, together with the enclosed petals and lip.

Found amongst a patch of Dendrobium Red Bulls, we came across a peculiar  “rose”. We have observed the fusion of at least 3 sets of flowers, into one single “rose-like” entity.

The above anomaly, technically termed as “fasciation”, occurs whereby several sets of petals/sepals are fused together into one flower. Fasciation could be attributed to many possible factors like pathological infections; introduction of chemicals/ hormones; physical injury to growing tip of bud; amongst others. Certain sources of research also highlights that conducive conditions for rapid growth is a necessity for such a phenomenon to occur. In this anomaly, we can observe that a certain degree of anatomical integrity being maintained, whereby the flower bud still involves the enclosure of floral parts within 3 Sepals. It is only upon blooming, then fasciation can be observed. It was most fortunate that such a rare sight has been captured on camera, as it is believed that such anomaly occurs highly randomly, and that chances for a second sighting would be extremely hard to come by.

This is a new Renantanda hybrid that has started flowering recently in our nursery. The long-lasting flowers of this Renantanda span 10cm and each stalks is about 55cm when in bloom. As the plants are still in their infancy, longer stalks of flowers could be expected as the plant matures.

Aside from this new hybrid, our nursery also houses Renantanda Genting Gem from Genting nursery as shown below.

Recently, we’ve obtained a batch of orchid species from growers abroad.  The varieties that were brought in includes Dendrobium Suzukii, Dendrobium Dixanthum, Dendrobium Moschatum, Arachnis Annamensis, Ascocentrum christensonianum. Still trying to identify one that seem to belong to Aerides family but have erected racemose instead of hanging.

Hybridization have been done between Dendrobium Suzukii and a few varieties of Dendrobiums that we grow and seedpod development is underway. We’ve also planned to hybridize Arachnis Annamensis with Renathera Kalsom and some other Ascocendas.

A species of resilient cypripedium

This year, the recession as well as heat wave (due to change in climate) have affected growers worldwide. In a way, the heat wave increased production rates in some countries like taiwan, while caused substantial damages to crops in the lower hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, some nurseries had their plants burnt by the searing heat and wind. Here in Singapore, we experienced some high temperature of up to 36°C just a couple of weeks ago and some strong winds that damaged our nursery nettings. Well repairs are in process and almost completed. The flowering season of orchids are likely to be affected too.

I’ve been busy lately with mails of supplier’s quotation for orchids and thus unable to make any post of late. At the moment, I’m still compiling catalogues of

Nice colours isn't it?

temperate orchids offered by suppliers all over. There some really nice orchids, like the one on the left, that I’ve never seen in Singapore, coming from taiwanese suppliers.  To date, only the Cymbidiums catalogue‘s ready. The file is almost 30mb in size due to the amount of pictures inside, so do be patient downloading it.

For those who have signed up for our mailing list, thanks! I will probably only be updating on a quarterly basis or when there are special offers and not spam updates like facebook’s.

This hybrid was registered by E.de Saram on the 1st January, 1948. This hybrid is very free flowering in full sunlight. Very suitable for landscaping purposes as low maintenance is required.

We’ve only a few handful of these hybrid left. This hybrid take a minimal of 3 years to reach maturity and flowering frequency is irregular. However when in season, each majestic raceme boost more than 40 flowers.

This hybrid originates from thailand.

This hybrid was registered by H. Yamamoto and originates from J.Yamamoto on the 12th October, 2007. This hybrid is well received by the locals due to its bright red colours. Highly suitable for display.