There were some backyard growers of Cymbidium finlaysonianum who posted their blooming orchids in different Fb group and social media sites since late May 2020.
We were again rewarded with the blooming of Cymbidium finlaysonianum clumps which were mounted in living Manila Palm (Adonidia merrillii) for several decades. The first specimen clump bloomed late April 2020.
Color Forms of Cymbidium finlaysonianum
One can spot the different color forms of the Cymbidium finlaysonianum from the actual orchid grown and photographed by the owners. This also coincide with the blooming season of this species.
It was last June 11 when PAG-ASA , the local weather bureau officially declared the start of the rainy season in the western part of the country. This marks the transition to hot humid dry season to the wet season. The transition happened when we experience more rain showers in April and May which signals the onset of the transition period.
The first specimen Cymbidium finlaysonianum started to send spike late April with 20 flowers and then another spike with 23 flowers bloomed within two week interval.
pale yellow form ( first inflorescence)
This is the larger clump and having pale yellowish flower. The blooming season was late April to early part of May 2020.
pale yellow form ( second inflorescence)
The orchid species had been growing in our garden for at least 30 years. Another clump with smaller more compact leaves and smaller inflorescence developed on the last week of May and the bloom lasted only until June 8. Before the last flower wilted because of the intense heat, Another much longer inflorescence develop with at least 15 flowers.
Cymbidium finlaysonianum ( second clump with smaller flowers and compact growth)
We also noticed that the Davallia fern or rabbit foot fern had also grown luxuriantly. With a combination of slow release fertilize attached to base of the clump, weekly weakly regimen of fertilization program can also help boost the growth of both the orchid and fern. Some local growers would also plant bird’s nest fern near the orchid, which can enhance the aesthetic beauty of the mounted orchid.
A neighbor sometimes would collect small amount of cow dung ( manure) dry them for at least 3 to 4 months in semi-shade. She would apply it once in a while in their Cymbidium finlaysonianum especially during its growing period.
Cymbidium finlaysonianum with reddish lip grown in Morong, Rizal province ( photo courtesy of Mr. Gelo T. DL)
An FB friend from Morong, Rizal province posted his wonderful specimen clump of Cymbidium finlaysonianum which had more reddish lip and darker yellowish flowers compared to the ordinary clone. He told me that it was rescued from his grandmother’s ancestral house and could be at least 30 or so years old.
Cymbidium finlaysonianum grown by Mrs. Anita Are
Another backyard grower and lifetime member of the Philippine Orchid Society is Ms. Anita Arcebal Are who gladly shared her specimen sized Cymbidium finlaysonianum growing in a living tree within her garden for several decades in Baras, Rizal province.
A Cymbidium finlaysonianum variety flava with pure white lip is grown by few growers. The orchid grows a little slow compared with ordinary forms.
Bibliographies and Sources:
Personal communication with growers like Ms. Anita Are, Mr. Gelo T. DL and Mrs. Fe Nanguil
The Complete Writings on Philippine Orchids Vol 1 Quisumbing 1981; The Complete Writings on Philippine Orchids Vol 2 Quisumbing 1981 drawing
Second Print 1982, Manila pages, 86 to 91: Davis S. Reg and Steiner Mona Lisa: Philippine Orchids ” A detailed Treatment of Some One Hundred Native Species” printed by M& L Licudine Enterprises, Dongalo, Parañaque, Philippines
Filed under: Orchids | Tagged: Adonidia merrillii, asplenium nidus, bird's nest fern, Cymbidium finlaysonianum, Davallia fern, Manila palm, PAG-ASA, pasdak, Philippine Orchid Society, rainy season, slow release fertilizer |
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