Tuesday, November 6, 2012

OCTOBER 2012 Cycnoches Species & Hybrids published

The American Orchid Society has published with the October 2012 issue of Orchids  a supplement on the genus Cycnoches.  The supplement contains my article on the genus and its hybrids and Fred C. Clarke's article on Growing Cycnoches.  The supplement was supplied at no extra charge to members of the American Orchid Society, however, non-members or persons who wish additional copies may purchase them at US$10.00 per copy plus postage and handling.  Anyone interested should contact Naya D. Marcano naya@aos.org for details about postage costs.  Payment is accepted by credit card. 

Sunday, January 8, 2012

UPDATE FOR CLOWESIA JUMBO GRACE AND AGING


RICHARD FULFORD WHOSE EXPERIENCES I REPORTED LAST MONTH WITH HIS Cycnoches Richard Brandon, JUST EMAILED ME THAT HE HAD TRIED THIS TREATMENT ON HIS PLANT OF Clowesia Jumbo Grace (Cl Grace Dunn X Cl Rebecca Northen). Unlike the reaction of the Cycnoches, the Clowesia did not lose its fragrance and the flowers began to deteriorate. He took the plant out of the dark and moved it back outside in the 40-60 degree temperatures. He reports that the plant "perked up" and the flowers stopped deteriorating and remained fragrant. Unfortunately when he took it to judging it was passed with the comment that the flowers were past their prime. I can only speculate that perhaps the difference in reaction might be because Cycnoches bear male and female flowers whereas Clowesia are perfect flowers. I would very much like to know how female Cycnoches and Catasetum flowers would react to the darkroom treatment. If anyone has experience with this, please let me know.
Thanks to Richard for his observations and providing me with the information and the picture. Richard's plant illustrates one of the best features of Clowesia - the potential for amazing flowering on a small plant. Richard's plant has 130 flowers. You will note that it is completely leafless which is normal especially for the this hybrid and its parent species.