Elaine, I always thought of the reefs as underwater gardens and while they have lost much of their color (as compared to 50 years ago) they are still strikingly beautiful. Enjoy your trip.

Thanks, we are on our way in half an hour, but just thought I'd check in. (I needed to sit down . .. )

We love Grand Cayman so much because their reefs have been protected for so many years that they are pristine, and the water is clear as crystal most of the time. It's really wonderful.

Weather report looks great for the week here, but not so great for Cayman, sadly. We'll be home Saturday afternoon.

Have a wonderful trip, Elaine!

Jim

So jealous!... I've only been there once.. For an hour while working for Eastern Airlines.
Have a fabulous time!


My immediate solution.. Some amazing pot clips that were being sold at Fairchild.. So all the high risk
plants are stuck tight!
Jim when do you return? The buds on your two gift plants look about to pop!

I'll be back Tuesday evening. If the flowers open, it will not be a problem. I'm giving them to a couple of agents at the Extension Service.

Jim

Looks good, Lindsey! Very stable!

Ken, Good Luck with the Egg Bowl!

Can't really see those hangers, but they sure do look stable. Would be great for Phals that are so determined to hang over the side of the pots.

I'm licking my wounds, Bert.

Most people mount them on an upright
4 x 4 type column.
Www.hangapot.com

This I could really use, thx

I used those clips at my last home, they worked very well.

Several of the members of the orchid club were showing me their pictures and it looks like a real space saver...the man that was selling them said they could handle plants being hung from plants being hung from the pot in the clip.
I took an end of the month group shot this afternoon..







not shown is this NOID that is in isolation until I can either find out the name from the grower..or find out if it is
suffering from a virus...


this was the first spike to open..the first bud was deformed ( with out a lip )




this is the 4th spike to open..the flowers are more normal in shape...a little darker color as well..
but still has the 'water color effect' that I understand is a sign of virus..and not a desirable bred - in trait.

Exactly what is a "water color effect", Lindsey? I clearly see a break in the coloration, particularly on the borders of some of the petals. Is that what you refer to?

They look practical!

Here is a cutie, a first time bloomer in my hands. Good size blooms which are larger than the plant.
Bc Carnival Kids 'Green Gem'


I think Elaine needs this one!

We overlapped! I have thrown out a couple plants through the years when the blooms looked like that, but I am not exactly sure if that points to a virus or thrips and wrong temperatures.
I see people posting pics like that at the American Orchid society group on Facebook, asking that question.

Ken, I use that term...and perhaps incorrectly...as it reminds me of a watercolor painting... it is most pronounced on the edges of the newest flower but runs all through the first bloom.
Ursula...love the contrast of the fluorescent green and purple on your Bc Carnival Kids 'Green Gem'..Lindsey might need one too!
I wish the grower would have the courtesy of replying to either my FB post on his page...or direct email sent to the greenhouse.

Thanks, Lindsey.

It looks more like a virus than thrips to me. Be sure to steryliz any pruners you might use on it.

Love the 'Green Gem', Ursula.

Biting, damp cold here tonight. I'm ready to go home.

Jim

I have it isolated..inside on the kitchen sill..all by itself. It bugs the heck out of me that I might have to throw a brand new plant in the trash...