If you like orchids there is nothing better (or more dangerous) than living near a greenhouse whose sole purpose is to sell and propagate them!
Luckily, Fantasy Orchids is not down the block (or I might be broke) but it's definitely worth the hour or so drive a couple times a year to peruse their vast selection.
Recently the greenhouse started a great "trade-in" program where they'll give you 20% off a new orchid in exchange for an orchid you no longer want or can't get to re-bloom.
Paphiopedilum 'Deperle' was purchased thru that program.
'Deperle' is a sequential blooming slipper orchid meaning it produces more than one bloom per inflorescence. (i.e. notice the additional buds in the first two photos)
Sequential bloomers are great for extending the bloom period especially important since most bloom only once (or, if you're lucky, twice) a year.
Above: 'Deperle' with non-sequential bloomer 'Macabre.'
You've seen 'Macabre' many times ~ it was my very first orchid.
Bought at 50% off just to try my luck.
Which I guess has been pretty good because it's bloomed and re-bloomed reliably for many years now.
and spawned a small collection!
However, no matter how many others I acquire, the textures and mix of patterns on 'Macabre' keep it at the top of my favorites list.
This year 'Macabre' is large enough that two new growths were produced meaning two inflorescences are about to bloom simultaneously.
Now that is a first for me!
