I'll move this to a new topic in case anyone else is tempted to contribute.

These Dendrobium orchids are probably the most rewarding as they grow fairly easily and are not too picky about the exact specifications for moisture and sunlight etc, and the flowers last for weeks sometimes. This one was bought in flower last year and flowered again this autumn, and has been in bloom now for over six weeks. They can be picked up fairly cheaply in Flower Market Street.

I love the pictures!
Most Oncidiums are also fairly easy, in fact they seem to thrive on neglect. I'll try to persuade an orchid expert (maybe that should be fanatic) to conduct a Saturday or Sunday Q&A session on Lamma for anyone interested.

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Member of Hong Kong Gardening Society

That's a gorgeous cat flower Zep - almost infects me the orchid bug to see it!!
I'm going to be cruising your yard tomorrow at first light for a glimpse

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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
----- Margaret Mead

Hi,
maybe one of the botanists that frequent this board can help me. I am trying to find a picture of what I`m told is a "Chinese Orchid", sometimes known as the "Gentlemans Orchid", I`ve tried googling for it but found nothing conclusive but it should look something like the image on this old tea caddy.
Any help in identifying this plant would be most appreciated.

Phil.

Most likely you are looking for one of the Chinese Cymbidiums. These are not the big showy Cymbidiums but they are rather inconspiculous. Their strong fragrance is the main attraction. Flowers are greenish, even dark brown or almost black. Leaves are kind of wispy, like coarse grass. In olden times the literati used to cultivate these and invite their friends round to join in appreciating the scent.

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Member of Hong Kong Gardening Society

Thank you Jane, the calligraphy on this tea caddy translates as something like "Orchid is the king of perfume" so that fits in with what you say, it`s only a pic of the actual plant thats eluding me though I`ve been told it was a common subject for painters during the late Qing dynasty.

Phil.

Try this one by Li Shan?

Or the second painting, Rocks and orchid by Wang Duo gives an idea of the appearance of the whole plant - This would be consistent with a Cymbidium, as Jane suggests.

(Both paintings are from the Qing Dynasty)

Here's a new genus for me, Miltonia, which seem to be getting more popular. The flowers are quite large and attractive. Unfortunately this one died only two days after buying it, so now there is a long wait to see if it can be maintained for a second flowering season next year.

It's like presents under the Christmas tree - these two orchids slowly developed buds after growing for a season and the opening was eagerly awaited . It's usually pot luck whether they survive or not. One pair shrivelled up and died (cold weather?), while the other blossomed into a fine bloom.

Doomed to die


Destined to flourish


The fine "Tutankhamen" hybrid

This elegant Vanda orchid is flowering for the third time in as many seasons on a tree outside our house: