Peak Summer Blooms of Cymbidium finlaysonianum with 6 spikes in our backyard

Cymbidium finalysonianum or also called as boat orchid is again in bloom, But for the first time we were rewarded with 6 spikes and its blooming season spanned mid- March 2021 to past May 13, 2021.

Cymbidium Finlaysonianum Peak Summer Bloom

Cymbidium finlaysonianum orchid flowering season tend to peak during the hot and dry season from early March to early June in the western part of the country. But it can vary in some regions of provinces where rainy season would gradually tapers off.

There is not secret, This once a year bloom is much awaited and anticipated by many growers. Its yellowish flowers are long and quite impressive when grown en masse. The flowers had also some color shades and some variations.

This is also the hottest recorded heat index and peak high temperature in many parts of the country.

3rd inflorescence

The orchid started showing its inflorescence during second week of March and gradually its flowers began to develop. This one is mounted on Manila palm ( Adonidia merrillii) for a number of years. The first inflorescence grew 54 inches with 23 flowers, then 1 week later another one which grew 56 inches with 30 flowers, 3rd inflorescence grew with 27 flowers, then 4th inflorescence grew 32 inches and with 18 flowers, the 5th inflorescence grew 40 inches with 24 flowers, the 6th and last inflorescence is 60 inches long with 32 flowers.

4th inflorescence

Since it is very hot in Metro Manila with average day time temperature hitting between 33 to 36 degrees C, The flowers usually wilt within two or three days after it bloomed. But having over 150 flowers in indeed spectacular.

Cymbidium Finlaysonianum Care and Fertilization

small pieces of cloth with slow release fertilizer are mounted on top of the roots of Cymbidium finlaysonianum 1st inflorescence

During its growing season which coincide with the onset of the rainy season in western part of the country. We would put several slow release fertilizer ( ratio is 20 to 30 pieces per small cloth) and mount them on top of the root this orchid.

Since the orchid is quite big and over 25 years-old, we would put between 5 to 6 small cloth then mount them near the roots of the specimen orchid.

4th and 5th inflorescence

Then alternate every week with weak doze of water soluble fertilizer 20-N, 20P, 20K diluted into 1/4 to 1/2 strength, normally after watering the orchid. Then, try to apply some trace elements, calcium nitrate and epsom salt in small quantities once every two weeks intervals.

Try to spray the diluted water soluble fertilizer in the underside of the leaves and leaves too, whenever possible. In some instances having a companion plant like ferns particularly Asplenium nidus or Asplenium musifolium ( pakpak lawin/ dapo, paipaimo, dapong lalaki, dapong babae, manalo/ manalu) Davallia ( rabbit foot fern) would increase humidity around its roots and helps in retaining water.

3th which withered off , 4th, 5th and 6th inflorescences

The slow release fertilizer, water soluble diluted fertilizers and other trace elements would help fertilize the ferns hence maintaining a symbiotic relationship between the orchid and other plants. In some cases, insects like bugs, cockroaches, moths, garden spiders and geckos are observe making a small ecosystem or micro- climate.

Repeat the procedure of putting slow release fertilizer sewn in small pieces of cloth after 3 to 4 month intervals after all its content were flush out, This would be around late July or early August ( same formula balance) when the rainy season is on its peak. By the end of September or early October when the small cloth bags have leached out the nutrients. We would change the formulation to 10N-13P-13K for the slow release fertilizer and at the same time the formulation of water soluble fertilizer, 10N-30P-30K in preparation for its blooming season. By mid-November or early December, most of the nutrients coming from the slow release fertilizer have already leached out completely.

This is also the time that we try to reduce watering and completely stopping any form of fertilization for this orchid species. Drying is important for this species to induce its blooming season from early March to early part of June. This will depend on your respective local climatology chart posted by the Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration ( PAG-ASA ).

Metro Manila and western part of the country is usually classified under type 1- with Two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

But thru years of growing and observation, Majority of our Cymbidium finlaysonianum blooms between mid- March to early June. The orchid species is commonly grown in Novaliches, Fairview, White Plains, Corinthian Gardens, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City and in many parts of Metro Manila.

Cymbidium finlaysonianum orchid is sold in Eaton Centris (Sidcor) sunday market, Baclaran Plant Bazaar , garden centers and sometimes peddled by ambulant orchid/ plant sellers.

The larger specimen Cymbidium finalysonianum can have dozens of inflorescence during the duration of its blooming season. Hope that this small practical care and fertilization will inspire new growers of this wonderful species.

The smaller and more compact type Cymbidium finlaysonianum had also started to bloom. Happy Growing to all !

Note: all photos are taken by the author

Color Forms of Cymbidium Finlaysonianum and Arrival of Rainy Season

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 

Orchidiana Philipiniana Vol 1 Valmayor 1984

The Orchids of the Philippines Cootes 2001

Teo, Chris K. H. Cymbidium Pages, 44 to 49; Native Orchids of Peninsular Malaysia 1985, 2001, Times Media Private Unlimited.

Dendrobium aphyllum in our backyard blooming after a freak weather

Quezon City-Philippines

This is part of our small garden where i have mounted some of the Dendrobium aphyllum that i have collected in many parts of the country .

It is almost the beginning of the dry period . The last major rains we got was several weeks ago when Typhoon Koppu ( Bagyong Lando ) gave at least 2 to 3 days of rains.

Dendrobium aphyllum ( Marikina clone )

My last application of slow release fertilizer was on the middle part of September and I think most of them will eventually release all their nutrients by late November . I started  to water less and apply 10N-30P-30K water soluble fertilizer ( diluted into 1/4 of the recommended strength ) . This is to help strengthened the pseudo bulbs ( canes) . Planning to do this on bi-weekly basis until the end of November . Just enough to aid the maturing canes.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)  according to their weather bulletin that Northwest Monsoon ( Amihan )  had  begun early October and will last until early February 2016. It had made a weather advisory dated October PAG-ASA climate advisories that a strong El Niño.

Website: https://web.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

I got a mix emotion with regards to the advisory by the weather bureau . It means that there will be shorter canes compared last year but much earlier and maybe more blooms for these orchid species by 2016.

Dendrobium aphyllum with Phalaenopsis X Intermedia

Some of the Dendrobium aphyllum canes are slowly maturing , their upper leaves are slowly turning into yellow and are falling off the pseudobulb. A lot of the older canes are between 100cm to 150cm long . The other much larger specimen failed  to grow more than 150cm  which indicate that we got lesser rainfall and humidity compared to last year.

Dendrobium aphyllum ( Laguna and Quezon  province)

Another problem was the insect infestation ( probably caterpillars of butterflies or moths ) which ate the youngest leaves and pseudo-bulbs .  Then a mild fungal infection on young leaves, I was away for several days and i could not do anything with the infestation.  Just applied a mild fungal mixture and sprayed them on the orchids when i came back .  We also tried to withhold watering for several days.

Phalaenopsis X Intermedia

Some of our neighbors are probably inspired or amazed by the number of orchids attached to the palms that some of them are asking our growing techniques . I think there is no such secret for growing these orchid very luxuriantly . We just observed proper fertilization techniques and ideal growing conditions for these lovely orchid species.

Phalaenopsis X Intermedia

Phalaenopsis X Intermedia started to bloom. We have mounted some of them in Macarthur palm .

Ethno-Botanical Importance:

According to some old folks ( Bicol and Quezon ) the orchid flowers of Phalaenopsis X Intermedia are gathered preferably late afternoon before dusk around 5:00pm ( between 7 to 8 flowers) soak them in 1 glass of drinking water for the entire night  so that the potency of flowers will be absorbed by the water and drinking them to heal fatigue or for body ache the following day , just before eating anything .

Another herb specialist ( herbalista- from Samar ) told me that they also used some of the flowers to ward-off evil spirits which lingers in one abode. He even tried to encourage people to grow more of this orchid . I never tried to ask them on the procedure but it seems that they preferred live orchids .

 Mama Nene’s Garden  shared her experience with regards to the potency of the flowers which help her felt relief and rejuvenated.

Link to previous post: Phalaenopsis x intermedia in our backyard

Dendrobium aphyllum with inflorescence

The photo above was fairy sanggumay with some inflorescence  despite that there are still leaves intact. i was suspecting that it must be a freak weather pattern that induced this orchid to bloom without shedding their leaves.

This is one of the most commonly traded orchid species during garden shows, sunday market and favorite among local landscapers and backyard orchid hobbyists .

They are commonly called sanggumays, fairy sanggumay, dainty sanggumay , salome among others.

Here are some of the previous article links that i wrote about Dendrobium aphyllum. 

Dendrobium cucullatum flowering in our garden

Fairy sanggumay blooming in our garden

Fairy sanggumays flowering in the city

PAG-ASA 150th Anniversary and Compound Tour

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration ( PAG-ASA ) Quezon City , Philippines

PAG-ASA exhibit area

We were invited by Mr. Resly George Amador  for an open house tour of PAG-ASA and its exhibit. It was scheduled last March 26, 2015 . We met at around 10:00am at the PAG-ASA planetarium. The planetarium is smaller compared to Luneta but it had a seating capacity of between 80 to 100 people at any given time. The Open House and Tour was conducted in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the institution. History : It all started  on January 1, 1865  when Jesuit priest Fr. Francisco Colina set up simple meteorological instruments in an abandoned pigeon house.

Planetarium within PAG-ASA compound

That led to the Observatorio Meteorologica de Manila — designated as the official weather forecasting institution in 1884 through a Spanish royal decree.

PAG-ASA head from 1860’s to the current

On April 28, 1884, King Alfonso XII issued a decree recognized the observatory  as an official institution of the  Spanish colonial government in the Philippines .

Mr. Resly Amador together with teachers of Pasay City Science High School

At the start of the 20th century, meteorological observations were transferred from the Roman Catholic Church to the American colonial government. By act of the Philippine Commission, the Weather Bureau of the Philippine Islands were established under Act No. 131 on May 22, 1901.

outdoor observation area

The government agency was created on December 8, 1972 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 78 reorganizing the Philippine Weather Bureau into PAGASA

Stevenson Screen

The Stevenson screen holds instruments that may include thermometers (ordinary, maximum and minimum ), a  hygrometer , a psychrometer , dewcell , barometer and a thermograph  Stevenson screens may also be known as a cotton region shelter, an instrument shelter, a thermometer shelter, a thermoscreen or a thermometer screen. Its purpose is to provide a standardized environment in which to measure temperature, humidity, dewpoint and atmospheric pressure.

Engineer Marc Francis C. Calpo

Stevenson Screen is a box shape, constructed of wood, in a double-louvered design. It is slightly tilted to avoid the direct rays coming from the sun . The whole screen is painted with several coats of white to reflect sunlight radiation  .  The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) agreed standard for the height of the thermometers is between 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in) and 2 m (6 ft 7 in) above the ground.

 poster making contest

weather instruments on display

National Radiation Center

Mr. Arman Griarte

Sometimes, There are people who would steal these items , thinking that they are very valuable objects , Some thinks that those are for magical instruments. Although the instrument is not cheap each instrument is said to cost around Php 69,000 to Php 70,000 each .

Campbell Sun Stokes

It was invented by John Francis Campbell  in 1853 and modified in 1879 by Sir George Gabriel Stokes . The original design by Campbell consisted of a glass sphere set into a wooden bowl with the sun burning a trace on the bowl. Stokes’s refinement was to make the housing out of metal and to have a card holder set behind the sphere.

They are placed in some observatories in different parts of the country.  Hence the name was coined after the two famous inventor – Campbell Sun Stokes.

The glass sphere – typically 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter – is designed to focus the rays from the sun onto a card mounted at the back and is set on a stand. The card is held in place by grooves of which there are three overlapping sets, to allow for the altitude of the sun during different seasons of the year. In the northern hemisphere the winter card is used from 15 October to 29 February, the equinox  card from 1 March to 11 April and 3 September to 14 October. The summer card is therefore used from 12 April to 2 September. Each card is marked as to the hour, with local noon being in the center, and is read in 10ths. In the northern hemisphere , the unit is set in a stand facing south to enable the maximum amount of sun to be recorded. It is important to place the unit in an area where the sun will not be blocked by buildings, trees or flagpoles.

Panahon Television

Panahon.TV is the earliest weather & environment-related news television program airing live at 5:00-5:30AM on People’s Television (PTV). Panahon.TV airs from Mondays to Sundays with hourly express updates from 5:30AM until 8:00PM, also available on live streaming via Ustream.

We manage to get a sneak peek on Panahon Television within the DOST -PAG-ASA compound. We were greeted by Mr. George Vincent Gamayo – Segment Producer of the program.

Note: We would like to ” Thank’ all the people of PAG-ASA and Panahon Television for their warm accommodation.

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Panahon.TV/info?tab=page_info

PANAHON.TV: http://www.panahon.tv/

PAG-ASA : http://pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

Bagyong Ondoy aftermath, a collector’s tale

Bagyong Ondoy (Typhoon Ketsana international code) is now considered as one of the worst rains and flooding which hit Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Luzon. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) Quezon city rain gauge measured 410.6 mm ( 16 inches) of rains that fell in the span of 9 hours!  The rainfall is equivalent to more than 1 month of rainfall for the month of September.

The last one recorded was June of 1967 with 341  mm of rainfall in a day. There are several stories of survival and how collectors manage to save one belongings or their collection.

A well-known Filipino director saved his precious Picasso paintings in a posh riverside subdivision while rampaging floodwaters reached the first level of his home. Another Filipino – Chinese collector managed to save his stamp collection by storing them on the 3^rd floor of his home near Sienna College that was under several feet of floodwaters. A toy collector from Antipolo managed to salvage his entire toy collections by putting them in the attic several hours before his home was inundated by flood which reached second level of his home. Two stamp and curio dealers in Recto Manila collections were reached by floodwaters.

While several antique dealers from Ermita collection suffered water damage. These are just few of the harrowing tales of collectors saving their precious collections that have been part of their lives. But in this time of epic floods and countless people suffering, saving ones earthly belongings just came second to saving their precious lives.

An orchid and plant collector in Rolling Hills Resort and Orchard in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela city suffered major damage in his collection.  Several days of rains and floods took a heavy toll in his collection. Several of his orchids were hit by fungus and floodwater dislodged many of his mounted orchids. I told this collector to quickly salvage most of his collections and try to immediately spray fungicide to his precious collections. After all plants needed to be saved.

Philippine stamp issued in 1943 with ” Baha”

1943, December 8. Semi-Postal.  Flood Relief Campaign (Baha).  Overprinted definitive issues.  Watermarked (curved wavy lines), Perf 13 x 13 1/2.  Bureau of Printing, Manila (overprint).  100/sheet, 10 x 10.

Floods and natural catastrophes are recorded in the annals of our nation’s history. A strong typhoon swept in November 1943 in the country.  A set of semi-postal  stamp series  was issued in December 1943 after  a strong typhoon caused massive flooding  in order to raise funds for the victims . Then Japanese sponsored republic with overprinted “ Baha” ( Flood)  was meant to raise additional revenue for the cash strapped government, the flood killed countless number of people and animals.

Issued December 8, 1943 which coincided with the second anniversary of the Great East Asia War (GEAWAR).  The official First Day Cover cachet commemorates this event instead of the flood relief campaign.  Due to strong protests from the public, particularly the stamp collectors, an appropriate FDC cachet was issued on December 22.  This cover is referred to as the Second First Day Cover of this issue.

Back then, people would barely write letters to their love ones since letters were heavily censored and the Japanese routinely opens letters to see any propaganda items being stored in the letters.

informal settlers within Kingspoint subdivision

Floods affected a lot of people especially those who lived near the creeks, rivers and flood plains. Informal settlers in various parts of the Metropolis also suffered a lot of losses.  examples are Bicol, Oro, Dupax, Alipio compound within Kingspoint subdivision in Barangay  Bagbag  , Novaliches in Quezon City . According to some of the old-timers in the place, this was the worst flood in recent memories.

Philippine National Red Cross sponsored relief operation

Residents of the subdivision, NGO groups like Philippine National Red Cross, Sagip Kapamilya, Kapuso, government and barangay had extended help to these informal settlers.

Although majority of these settlers do not pay monthly dues, taxes and sometimes post a security threat in surrounding villages.  Still a lot more of the residents in the informal communities are deeply entrench in the community, some are tricycle drivers, taxi drivers, ambulant vendor, security guards, lavanderas, barangay tanods, household helpers, carpenters among others.

Days after the great deluge, hope spring eternal to these communities which started to rebuilt from pieces of plywood, galvanized roof, with  the spirit of bayanihan still lives on…

Here is a simple checklist on what to with your collections during floods:

1.) Follow all emergency rules, guidelines by the National Disaster Coordinating Council -Philippines or Pambansang Tanggapan para sa Pagtugon ng Sakuna which is under the Philippine National Defense and office of the President.

2.)Try to store your collectibles especially cellulose based materials in cool, dry place as much as possible with even temperature ( air-conditioned room and temperature controlled environments ( with de-humidifier) for professional collections like those in Lopez Museum , Ortigas Gallery which had extensive collections of books, paper based materials, post cards, old photographs, paintings  ) quite expensive to maintain .  For flood prone areas , collectors placed their collections in 2nd floor or 3rd floor of their houses away from flood waters.

3.) Wear protective gear like face mask  and gloves .

4.) Document the extent of the damage -take photographs (old buildings, stamps, documents, paintings etc…) wait for the flood water to recede.

5.) Clean everything with diluted disinfectant  that got wet or had been soaked by flood water.

6.) Allow saturated materials to dry using natural ventilation. Avoid drying them under the hot tropical sun !  especially paintings , stamps and cellulose based materials.

7.) If they are from flood damaged stamps or soaked off SASE stamps from envelopes that were never used, they are still legal, however, it is a real hassle to put  glue these on envelopes whenever you want to send a letter.

8.) Try to use cotton gloves for pre-war stamps . Paper used before the war may be brittle.

9.) Paper that has been in equatorial  regions with heavy  rainy seasons are obvious but just as invidious is the long-term effect of micro-organisms introduced in a variety of ways but especially from personal handling, breathing on them and especially on stamps and banknotes , the effect of licking and  holding . Change of color in stamp is due to temperature , moist and humidity ( tropical stains) cellulose based materials are susceptible to these damage.

10.) Knowledge of inks used before is quite essential .

11.) Never try to attempt or  lift a wet  paper from the water by a corner. Always place the cover on a suitable sized  flat plate of glass before immersion and lift out using the glass. The cover can be dried and pressed between sheets of blotting paper in a ‘press’ including the glass plate. Use gloves at all times !