MarilyninOttawa

This story begins more than 10 years ago when I brought my blooming Rossioglossum grande to an orchid society meeting. Another member had a plant in bloom also and so we did it, we pollinated one of my flowers and the rest is history. Sadly, my plant died shortly after producing a mature fruit but the thousands of seeds germinated and one of those tiny protocorms has become the blooming beauty I now am very proud to grow. I consider this a winner because of its smiling blooms that welcome me every morning at this time of year.

Rossioglossum grande is known as the 'Clown' because of the clown-shaped floral crest. Like Jade said, the species is somewhat variable but then again, there are several species which look somewhat similar and this is where confusion could arise.

Formerly known as Odontoglossum grande, this orchid is native to Mexico (Chiapas), Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala where it may endure many months of drought and cool temperatures. Growth when it begins is rapid with the inflorescence developing about the time the pseudobulb is mature. My relatively small plant with 5 cm wide flattened pseudobulbs topped with two dark green leathery leaves produces a spectacular display of five 16 cm wide long-lasting waxy flowers in winter.

It is amazing that such a small plant can produce such a huge display of bloom and probably little wonder that fruiting can be costly and possibly even fatal when it happens.

I grow my plant outdoors in a shade house under high light (50% shade) and warmth during the summer when it is watered/misted daily except during cool spells. It is exposed to short days and cooler conditions in autumn when the plant is only misted. When frost threatens, the plant is brought indoors to a cool bright windowsill where it matures the pseudobulb and begins developing an inflorescence. Avoid overpotting and use a very open mix to have perfect drainage. Once the flowers have developed, keep the plant in bright but cool conditions as this will lengthen the blooming season. Resume fertilization only when a new growth and roots begin developing in summer.

I feel that this species would suit some California situations where winters are cool but freezing rarely happens. The plants would have to be protected from rain but would benefit from fog/mist. They grow in this type of environment along the west coast of Mexico.

John_in_Arcadia,_CA
Definitely on the coast. Inland it would be too dry and hot for them. Santa Barbara is ideal.

MarilyninOttawa

The second 'winner' I will be presenting is Rudolfiella picta. Rudolfiella picta of Panama, Ecuador and Columbia was once considered to be a Bifrenaria. This is a unifoliate plant with long-petioled plicate leathery leaves placed atop squat round pseudobulbs. Leaves and inflorescence bracts have scattered purplish spots.

The 50 cm long inflorescence arises from the base of an older pseudobulb. It ascends quickly to about half the final length when it bends to produce an arching cascade of up to 40 red brown and yellow fragrant flowers. The inflorescence bracts are similarly spotted.

The ruffled reddish brown lip is hinged and attached to the fused lateral sepals. We can see this somewhat in a side view.

A pollinator would have to be heavy enough to cause the lip to drop thus allowing the insect to probe the flower for nectar. I acquired this plant bare root but it established quickly in a mix of coco chips and sphagnum moss. It enjoys bright light, warm temperatures and abundant moisture year round. The challenge is to ensure that the rapidly growing inflorescence does not get tangled in potting mix or roots as it will fail to extend properly. This orchid does not seem prone to pests.

Rudolfiella picta 'Tres Jolie' AM/AOS (81 points) was awarded on December 16, 2006. There were 23 flowers on one inflorescence measuring 3.4 cm wide and 2.5 cm vertical spread. The lip measured 1.2 wide by 1.5 long. This is a nice specimen and to think that I almost broke the spike when preparing to repot the plant about a month ago. I love the fruity floral scent which pervades the growing area.

John_in_Arcadia,_CA
A nice fragrance is always a big plus!

MarilyninOttawa

Have you got a potential winner in your collection? I would love to hear about all those potential winners. That completes my presentation. Comments, ideas, news, anyone?

Prechat Handout

Two winners whose names begin with 'R'

Copyright Marilyn H. S. Light 2006

This story begins more than 10 years ago when I brought my blooming Rossioglossum grande to an orchid society meeting. Another member had a plant in bloom also and so we did it, we pollinated one of my flowers and the rest is history. Sadly, my plant died shortly after producing a mature fruit but the thousands of seeds germinated and one of those tiny protocorms has become the blooming beauty I now am very proud to grow.

Rossioglossum grande is known as the 'Clown' because of the clown-shaped floral crest. Formerly known as Odontoglossum grande, this orchid is native to Mexico (Chiapas), Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala where it may endure many months of drought and cool temperatures. Growth when it begins is rapid with the inflorescence developing about the time the pseudobulb is mature. My relatively small plant with 5 cm wide flattened pseudobulbs topped with two dark green leathery leaves produces a spectacular display of five 16 cm wide long-lasting waxy flowers in winter. It is amazing that such a small plant can produce such a huge display of bloom and probably little wonder that fruiting can be costly and possibly even fatal when it happens. I grow my plant outdoors in high light and warmth during the summer when it is watered/misted daily except during cool spells. It is exposed to short days and cooler conditions in autumn when the plant is only misted. When frost threatens, the plant is brought indoors to a cool bright windowsill where it matures the pseudobulb and begins developing an inflorescence. Avoid overpotting and use a very open mix to have perfect drainage. Once the flowers have developed, keep the plant in bright but cool conditions as this will lengthen the blooming season. Resume fertilization only when a new growth and roots begin developing in summer.

Rudolfiella picta of Panama, Ecuador and Columbia was once considered to be a Bifrenaria. This is an uncommonly seen unifoliate plant with long-petioled plicate leathery leaves placed atop squat round pseudobulbs. Leaves and inflorescence bracts have scattered purplish spots. The 50 cm long inflorescence arises from the base of an older pseudobulb. It ascends quickly to about half the final length when it bends to produce an arching cascade of up to 40 red brown and yellow fragrant flowers. The ruffled reddish brown lip is hinged and attached to the fused lateral sepals. I acquired this plant bare root but it established quickly in a mix of coco chips and sphagnum moss. It enjoys bright light, warm temperatures and abundant moisture year round. The challenge is to ensure that the rapidly growing inflorescence does not get tangled in potting mix or roots as it will fail to extend properly. This orchid does not seem prone to pests.