Bottle brush orchid rebloom ( Dendrobium busigerum

It rained for 3 days due to northeast monsoon, It is good that the rain had stop one day after Christmas day.

Dendrobium busigerum or commonly called as bottle brush orchid or toothbrush orchid is an orchid species with cute flowers ( one flower stalk can have as many as 100 small flowers). However in recent years, i notice that few homes had this type of orchid species, despite being commonly sold in Baclaran, Centris Sunday market ( Quezon City) and ambulant vendors.

The orchid species is also called sanggumay by ambulant vendors of Baclaran and Centris. I have seen some of this orchid species naturalized on Mango trees, Christmas palm, coconuts and even driftwood ( kakawate).

Etho-botanical and Cultural Importance

Some orchid growers would grow this particular orchid species because they believe that this orchid species can bring good luck to their family and ward off evil spirits. In some instances, pseudobulbs are grounded up for medicinal uses.

Dendrobium busigerum ( grown by the author)

Some backyard growers are not very impress with the minuscule flowers, But carefully looking at the cluster of flowers will Dendrobium busigerum is an epiphytic or sometimes growing in boulders/ karst forest. The pseudobulbs can grow up to about 50 – a little over 100 cm in length, grows in clusters of many pseudobulbs over the years. The stem is divided into multiple internodes, each internode has a leaf. The young stem usually have a green or white coat, the old stem often gray ash or gray.

This orchid species was recently reclassified as a separate species by Mr. Cootes and George Tiong ( A Guide to Dendrobium of the Philippines ) published in 2015.

Orchid hobbyists and growers are still baffled with these minor difference and still refer this one as Dendrobium secundum.

This species can be found in Albay, Camarines provinces, Catanduanes, Rizal, Sorsogon, Bataan, Samar, Leyte, Agusan, Davao, Lanao possibly Quezon, Masbate and Laguna province from sea level to about 700 meters in elevation.

One distinguishing feature of this orchid species is the flower are arranged radially on the inflorescence and the flowers are smaller and does not open fully, Dendrobium secundum open more fully and larger and facing in one direction. The number of inflorescence of Dendrobium busigerum are much more. Both species would exhibit some color variations.

Dendrobium busigerum grown on Macarthur palm ( Ptychosperma macarthurii)

Cultural Techniques

During its growing period, This orchid species requires high temperatures, humidity with regular watering, but leaving the compost to dry up, if in pot, before giving water again, upon growth completion, to observe a dry period in during dry season, with slightly cooler temperatures, in order to have the flowering till the coming of the new vegetation; a constant, good air circulation is key to successful growing.

This orchid also prefers growing on live trees, palm with little moss or coconut husk.

This orchid can flower two or three times a year in our growing condition. We observe that the flowering is triggered with the change of weather and rainfall.

Watering: During rainy season, we normally do not water the orchid and observing a short rest period during dry season which start from late November to early May ( watering them sparely).

Fertilization: The period from mid- May to early November of each year is the period of orchid growing more branches and strong growth (which also coincide with rainy season in the western part of the Philippines)

We would apply a water soluble fertilizer (20N-20P-20K) apply twice or even three times a week at 1/4 the recommended strength. We would also put slow release fertilize about 30 to 40 pieces tied on a small cloth.

We would also apply calcium nitrate ( twice a month ) with micro-nutrient solution once a month. Other nutrient solutions like Magnesium sulfate would only require small amount.

Flushing them at least once a week with ordinary tap water. All our Dendrobium busigerum are big and specimen size. smaller orchid would only need between 10 to 20 pieces of slow release fertilizer. ( There are several well known brands like Nutricote and Osmocote)

Try to observe the dry season by watering less ( every 3 to 5 days) from late November to early May (which also coincide with the dry season in the western part of the Philippines).

Diseases: This orchid is prone to scales and aphids. We also try to apply fungicide just before the onset of the rainy season at least every two weeks.

References:

Personal communication with backyard orchid growers

Philippine Native Orchid Species, Cootes 2009

Cootes , Tiong A Guide to Dendrobium of the Philippines, 2015

 

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Exciting Features and Bazaar at Philippine Plant Festival 2019

Philippine Plant Festival 2019 is just barely one month away, This is much anticipated plant show and bazaar was organized by D’true Philippine Horticultural Society Inc. 1976 under the leadership of President Remedios Rodis Remedios -Santelices and Vice President May Tolentino  in cooperation with Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City with media partners Manila Bulletin, Walkwithchan and  blogging community. 

January 25 to February 5 2019

The show is in partnership with the country’s leading plant organization and plant group such as Philippine Bonsai Society headed by D’ Felicidad Sanches-Gupit and Mr. Bobby Gopiao.

Cactus  and Succulent Society under the leadership of duly elected President Amy Lastimosa

Los Baños Horticultural Society under the leadership of Ms. Marina Catipon , Joseph Salacup and Ms. Tess Encarnacion.

Pangasinan Horticultural and Landscape Society under the leadership of Mr. Mac Pagsolingan, Prince T. Gerona and Ms. Dulce Ruiz.

Philippine Episcia Growers Society headed by Mr. Delmer Rivera Del Rosario

Fern and Aroid Study Group led by past president Patricia “Wendy” Fernando- Regalado

Philodendron Philippines and Philippine Bromeliad Society

Hello Haworthia under Timothy, Marc, Wilson and Von

Tillandsia Philippine headed by Mrs. Doreen Dofitas and Cludio ” Tots” D. Sanchez-Mariscal IV

Agave Philippines headed by Mr. Buchi Romero

Chilli group of Mr. Ponchit Ponce Enrile

Social Media hashtags #ItoAngTrend #PHPlantFestival2019

The bazaar will start from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

There are two entrances, one is at Quezon Avenue and another one is at North Avenue entrance.

Those who might be interested in joining the next plant bazaar, Try to contact PHSI Secretariat -0917-798-1317

Note: Entrance fees at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife is Php 15 for students and senior citizens with valid Id’s, Php 30 general public . 

Holiday Dishes at Chiow Express

It is holiday season once again, It is a season for company year end parties, reunions, family gatherings. If you are within Mandaluyong.  One must try to visit the famed Chiow Express.

Pancit Canton with Bihon 

Chiow Express had several noodle dishes like Bihon, Canton Bihon, Miki Bihon and Pancit Canton. They also serve buddy size which is good for sharing between 2 to 3 person and bilao style good for sharing between 10 to 15 people.

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Chiow Express Yang Chow Fried Rice had a shrimps, green peas , scrambled eggs, chopped carrots and spring onions.

Ho To Tay soup

 fried chicken with shrimp cracker and sauce

Chow Express version of halo-halo with only 3 kinds of ingredients

They also accept orders for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and company celebration.

Address: Ground Floor Garv’s Boutique Hotel, 604 Boni Avenue Bgy. Plainview ( in front of Mandaluyong Medical Center ), Mandaluyong, Philippines 1550

Operations: Everyday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm

Landline : (02) 579 5289

Cellphone (0906) 675-87-68

Email: chiowexpress@gmail.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChiowExpress/

Delivery Service and Bulk Orders: minimum of Php 300 within Mandaluyong City

 

 

 

 

A Visit to Casa Gianan Vintage Collection

Our small group had set an appointment with Mr. Mark Anthony Kyle Gianan which included a short tour of  Kahoy World along Boni Avenue and a visit to his Casa Gianan vintage collection located in Sanggumay street.

custom-made furniture and bed

I first met with Krazy Kyle few years ago during a coverage at Toy Convention 2014 and Historycon 2016.

different kinds of toys , bottles and memorabilias

celebrities

There are several well-known celebrities posted at the entrance of his store so of which became his clientele.

 face mask from different parts of the globe

telephones

cameras

He earn the moniker ” Filipino Picker” because of his thousand of toys, memorabilia items, telephone units, face masks, vintage bottles, tin cans, paintings  among others.

Jollibee toys released in the mid 1980’s to early 1990’s

Most of his collections belongs to the 1970’s to mid- 1990’s. He started collecting around 2009 which included old telephone units, face mask from different countries.

different kinds of soft drink bottles, beer bottles, milk bottles

coca-cola bottles, cups and mugs

ghostbusters

Jollibee mugs

Jollibee mugs was also part of the promotional items sold at the iconic food chain in the early part of 1990’s

Alphabets and Numbers which can transform into robots

These were part of the promotional items by a well-known toothpaste brand in the late 1980’s to early 1990’s.

Donald Duck figurines and toys

wood carvings

button pins, paper bills, coins, stamps and books

Some of these items were given by his family friends, fans and fellow pickers.

l-r Mr. Carlo Tecson ,Mr. Mark Anthony Kyle Gianan, Mr. Ray Ong and Achilles Lussier

Kahoy World can be visited during business hours , while Casa Gianan vintage collection is upon special appointment.

Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/kahoyworldbeds/

Casa Gianan Address: 664 Sangumay St, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila

Krazykyle’s Kahoy World Furniture Address: 1550, 643 Boni Ave, Mandaluyong

Contact :0918-911-6280

 

 

Schedule of Flora Filipina 2019 Conference

Flora Filipina 2019 Conference is one on the parallel event that the Philippine Orchid Society in partnership with Quezon City government, Quezon Memorial Circle management, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture with sponsorship from Del Monte, Philippines, Villar Sipag Foundation, Allied Botanical Corporation and Manila Bulletin as one of the media partners.

I have posted an article few months ago, with an old poster. There will also a commercial bazaar area, exhibition, conference and farm tours.

There will be a special opening on February 23, 2019 which is for members of the society, invited guests , foreign delegates and special media accredited invites.

This will be followed by a 3-day scientific conference with the theme “Achieving Global Competency in Floriculture” from February 24 to 26 at the Brentwood Suites,Brentwood Suites, #6 Dr. G. Garcia Street, Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City 1003 Philippines.

Three main groups of the exhibition and conference includes the Bonsai and Suiseki, Boungainvillea and the Floriculture Industry.

There will be a special package rate of Php 6,500 if one is planning to attend the 3-day event with inclusive of handouts, morning and afternoon snacks. lunch and certificate of attendance.

Bonsai and Suiseki – Php 1,300 Early Bird Rates / Php 1,500 Regular

Boungainvillea -Php 1,500 Early Bird Rates / Php 2,000 Regular

Floriculture Industry -Php 2,500 Early Bird Rates / Php 3,000 Regular

Try to call any of the contact information at the e-poster from 8:00 am till 5:00 pm Mondays to Saturdays.

Contact Persons: Miss Jenny F. Rivera / Mr. Jiffy Alegre POS Secretariat

Roving Landline( +632)  957-35-24 Cellphone  (+63) 917-8485468 / (+632) 929-44-25 /  Email: philorchidsociety@gmail.com

Office Address1: Quezon City Hall Orchidarium Area / Lagoon Area Garden, East Avenue corner Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City

Office Address 2: Unit 209 Delsa Mansion, 44 Scout Borromeo corner Scout Torrillo Streets, Barangay South Triangle 1103 Quezon City.

Note: For those who wanted to visit the exhibition area, There will be a minimal entrance fees of Php 50.00 general public and Php 40.00 for students, senior citizens and PWD with valid ID’.

There are daily lectures, talks and program which starts at 2:00pm