a most favorite equestris

At some point,
I can boast
of having more than a
thousand Phalaenopsis
equestris plants. This particular plant is
clearly a favorite.
Pristine white, with
lemon yellow upper lip.
No pronounced reflex.
Pure delight.
If I may add, this
plant cost me an arm
and a leg.

Vanda luzonica

Endemic to the Mt. Pinatubo
area, sadly now all gone. The spectacular eruption in 1991 covered everything with
lahar.
This was acquired from one
of my favorite dealers,
who got it from
a small nursery in Bataan.
Family-owned, they have been
propagating Vanda luzonicas
for decades, and this is one of
their last plants.
I got several plants at that time
because I was pissed off by
Aling ******, who sold me
four plants that turned out
to be hybrids when
they bloomed. This one has
been in my front gate for the
past two years.
You bet I am deliriously happy
with it.

Dendrobium fairchildae

I have several plants at home
and while they appear
healthy, they are not blooming.

This was bloomed in Silang,
where it is cooler.
I would be relocating
my own plants
to Amadeo.

A wonderful Eria.

Erias are very interesting.
There is so much variety
in the genus.
Many of them bear
multiple tiny blooms on
long spikes.
Many times too the
blooms are white.
I like white flowers.
The starkness of the
crystalline petals against
a black background,
which is what I usually
use, accentuates the
texture and allure of the
simple blooms. Many
times, they are also
fragrant.

Tiny white fragrant orchids.

Perhaps many collectors
would dismiss them as
"botanicals".
What the hell.
They are pretty
in their own right
and fragrant, too.
Plus, they are easy
to grow.
And, very reasonably
priced. Because no one
else much likes them!

Incomparable color.

There is quite
no vanda like this.

The richness of the burgundy
hue, coupled with the waxy
thick substance makes for
very desirable parental traits.
Just wait for the nethouse
to be ready...

A natural hybrid between Phalaenopsis aphrodite and Phalaenopsis equestris

This is a good specimen. The lip is mostly pink. The petals and sepals are not so recurved, with a roundness to them.

From a vendor from Quezon province, probably in the Mt. Banahaw area.