Orchids
A spring cactus I gifted to my sister April 2026
Black Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor)
Purchased from All Seasons 2024
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Black Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor)
While the jewel orchid does produce small white or cream-colored flowers on slender stems, the foliage steals the show with its unique beauty.
Getting the lighting right is key to Ludisia discolor care. This orchid thrives in low to moderate light conditions, preferring filtered light over direct sun. A bit of gentle morning sun works well, but intense direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and ruin their velvety texture.
Unlike many orchids that require specialized bark mixes, Ludisia discolor grows well in a rich, well-draining potting soil blend.
While the jewel orchid does produce small white or cream-colored flowers on slender stems, the foliage steals the show with its unique beauty.
Getting the lighting right is key to Ludisia discolor care. This orchid thrives in low to moderate light conditions, preferring filtered light over direct sun. A bit of gentle morning sun works well, but intense direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and ruin their velvety texture.
Unlike many orchids that require specialized bark mixes, Ludisia discolor grows well in a rich, well-draining potting soil blend.
Lightning Jewel Orchid (Macodes Petola)
Purchased from Jackie 2025
This unique orchid is indigenous to rainforests in Southeast Asia including Malaysia and numerous Pacific islands. It lives in forest shade at lower altitudes where it bathes in a warm, moist environment.
Bright or moderate, indirect light and warm temperatures of 65-85 year-round are essential to providing good Macodes petola care. The soil should be loose and well-aerated with good water retention; it should never become overly dry or soggy. Fertilize lightly on a regular basis and provide moderate to high humidity.
Bright or moderate, indirect light and warm temperatures of 65-85 year-round are essential to providing good Macodes petola care. The soil should be loose and well-aerated with good water retention; it should never become overly dry or soggy. Fertilize lightly on a regular basis and provide moderate to high humidity.
Jewel Orchid (NOID)
Marbled Jewel Orchid (Dossonia marmorata) ??? or maybe Anoectochilus
Marbled Jewel Orchid (Dossonia marmorata) ??? or maybe Anoectochilus
Purchased from Jackie 2026
B. Little Stars (Brassavola nodosa x cordata)
Purchased from All Seasons maybe 2018
B. Little Stars (Brassavola nodosa x cordata)
Brassavola is in the Cattleya Alliance. Brassavola Little Stars is a popular hybrid (nodosa x cordata), first made and registered by Ernest Hetherington of Stewart Orchids. Brassavola nodosa is commonly known as the lady-of-the-night orchid because of its evening fragrance, and the hybrid is equally blessed.
Brassavola is in the Cattleya Alliance. Brassavola Little Stars is a popular hybrid (nodosa x cordata), first made and registered by Ernest Hetherington of Stewart Orchids. Brassavola nodosa is commonly known as the lady-of-the-night orchid because of its evening fragrance, and the hybrid is equally blessed.
- Perfect options for beginners because they are one of the easiest orchids to care for.
- Brassavola if you want to be rewarded with year-round blooms.
- Thrives in strong, bright light.
- Can handle some direct sunlight without issues.
- If the leaves turn deep green, this is a sign that they are not getting enough light.
- They prefer warm temperatures and cannot tolerate temperatures below 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
- They bloom better when kept in a warmer environment.
- Can handle slightly less humid environments compared to other orchids.
- They are happy when humidity sits between 40 and 70 percent.
- Need less water than other orchids.
- If grown in a container, use a potting soil mix that is specifically for orchids.
- The mix should contain materials that drain quickly, sphagnum moss, lava rock, and tree fern
- Brassavola is pollinated by moths.
Phal. Chingrueys Goldstaff 'Fortune' - Spike Initiated
Maybe purchased from the grocery store in 2023
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Phalaenopsis Chingrueys Goldstaff 'Fortune' is a compact, showy hybrid orchid producing yellow flowers with red or orange markings and a prominent pink lip.
Hybrid Background - Phal. Chingrueys Goldstaff 'Fortune' is a complex hybrid created by crossing Phalaenopsis Ambonosa (seed parent) with Phalaenopsis Taisuco Jewel (pollen parent) and includes contributions from several other Phalaenopsis species such as Phal. equestris, Phal. amboinensis, Phal. venosa, and Phal. amabilis, among others. It was registered with the Royal Horticultural Society in 2000 and has produced several awarded clones, including 'C', 'Fuller', 'Little Sweet Heart', and 'F.L.'.
Flower Characteristics - This orchid produces yellow flowers overlaid with red or orange veins, complemented by a large pink lip, giving it a distinctive and attractive appearance. Flower size and color intensity can vary depending on local climate, nutrition, and growing conditions. Most plants are double spike, and some may develop terminal spikes, which are normal and do not indicate a quality issue.
Growth Habit and Size - Phal. Chingrueys Goldstaff 'Fortune' has a compact, branching stem structure, making it suitable for limited spaces. Typical pot size for blooming plants is 2.5–5 inches, with overall height including the pot around 50–60 cm. It is often sold spike-initiated, meaning the plant is already developing flower spikes, which can reduce cost and shipping stress.
Care Instructions
Hybrid Background - Phal. Chingrueys Goldstaff 'Fortune' is a complex hybrid created by crossing Phalaenopsis Ambonosa (seed parent) with Phalaenopsis Taisuco Jewel (pollen parent) and includes contributions from several other Phalaenopsis species such as Phal. equestris, Phal. amboinensis, Phal. venosa, and Phal. amabilis, among others. It was registered with the Royal Horticultural Society in 2000 and has produced several awarded clones, including 'C', 'Fuller', 'Little Sweet Heart', and 'F.L.'.
Flower Characteristics - This orchid produces yellow flowers overlaid with red or orange veins, complemented by a large pink lip, giving it a distinctive and attractive appearance. Flower size and color intensity can vary depending on local climate, nutrition, and growing conditions. Most plants are double spike, and some may develop terminal spikes, which are normal and do not indicate a quality issue.
Growth Habit and Size - Phal. Chingrueys Goldstaff 'Fortune' has a compact, branching stem structure, making it suitable for limited spaces. Typical pot size for blooming plants is 2.5–5 inches, with overall height including the pot around 50–60 cm. It is often sold spike-initiated, meaning the plant is already developing flower spikes, which can reduce cost and shipping stress.
Care Instructions
- Potting Medium: Usually planted in bark with moss inside; can be up potted with additional moss or bark for better root support.
- Watering: Avoid overwatering; follow standard Phalaenopsis care by allowing the medium to dry slightly between waterings.
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal.
- Temperature: Prefers typical indoor orchid temperatures; avoid extreme cold or heat.
- Maintenance: Terminal spikes are normal; no special treatment is required. Regular fertilization and monitoring for pests will help maintain healthy growth.
Phalaenopsis - Moth Orchid
Purchased from Target 2025
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Phalaenopsis Orchid NOID - Little Gem Stripes???
Purchased from All Seasons 2026
Phalaenopsis Orchid Sweet Talk (Phalaenopsis hybrid)
Purchased from All Seasons 2023
Phalaenopsis Sweet Talk is an orchid hybrid originated by Carmela in 1998. It is a cross of Phal. Caledonia x Phal. Hilo Lip.
Genus - Phalaenopsis (Phal.)
Grex - Sweet Talk
Parents - Phal. Caledonia x Phal. Hilo Lip
Registrant - Carmela
Originator - Carmela
Year - 1998
Phal. schilleriana (36%) + Phal. amabilis (20%) + Phal. rimestadiana (16%) + Phal. aphrodite (9%)
Tall spikes of large white flowers have a light lavender blush across the petals, and a large, decorative lip, thats unusual in the world of phalaenopsis. Flower spikes can reach up to 27 tall and there are 10-12+ flowers per spike that our long-lasting blooms.
Genus - Phalaenopsis (Phal.)
Grex - Sweet Talk
Parents - Phal. Caledonia x Phal. Hilo Lip
Registrant - Carmela
Originator - Carmela
Year - 1998
Phal. schilleriana (36%) + Phal. amabilis (20%) + Phal. rimestadiana (16%) + Phal. aphrodite (9%)
Tall spikes of large white flowers have a light lavender blush across the petals, and a large, decorative lip, thats unusual in the world of phalaenopsis. Flower spikes can reach up to 27 tall and there are 10-12+ flowers per spike that our long-lasting blooms.
Variegated Vanilla Orchid
Purchased from Baker Nursery May 11, 2026
The variegated vanilla orchid is a rare climbing orchid with striking cream-and-green or green-and-yellow foliage that can produce real vanilla pods when mature.
The variegated vanilla orchid, often referred to as Vanilla planifolia albo variegata, is a tropical climbing orchid native to Mexico, Central, and northern South America. Its most distinctive feature is its variegated leaves, which display a mix of green and cream or yellow patterns, making it a visually stunning addition to any garden or indoor collection. The plant produces small greenish to yellow flowers, which appear in clusters once a year, and can develop long, thin vanilla pods containing thousands of tiny black seeds when hand pollinated.
The conditions for growing a variegated vanilla orchid are the same as those for growing a regular vanilla orchid. Following these instructions will allow an orchid to live for years.
The variegated vanilla orchid, often referred to as Vanilla planifolia albo variegata, is a tropical climbing orchid native to Mexico, Central, and northern South America. Its most distinctive feature is its variegated leaves, which display a mix of green and cream or yellow patterns, making it a visually stunning addition to any garden or indoor collection. The plant produces small greenish to yellow flowers, which appear in clusters once a year, and can develop long, thin vanilla pods containing thousands of tiny black seeds when hand pollinated.
The conditions for growing a variegated vanilla orchid are the same as those for growing a regular vanilla orchid. Following these instructions will allow an orchid to live for years.
- LIGHT: The variegated vanilla orchid prefers bright light but no direct sun as it will burn its leaves and decrease flowering. Some morning sun is okay, but not every day and only if the location is bright all day long. One way to tell if the light is sufficient is by placing your hand between the opening of a partially closed blind or curtain and the lip of the pot. If you can feel any warmth, it’s likely to be enough light for your plant.
- WATER: The variegated vanilla orchid will thrive with even moisture year-round, but it doesn’t like being wet or sitting in water at any time. Its thick pseudobulbs are sensitive to rot when overwatered, so wait until the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry before watering again. This plant responds well to misting year-round and may need an occasional shower during warmer months if leaves appear dusty.
- FERTILIZER: Fertilize year-round with a balanced fertilizer diluted to 1/2 or 1/4 strength and gently poured around the roots to avoid getting any on the leaves. Fertilize more frequently during warm months and less often during cool months.
- TEMPERATURE: The root zone must be kept between 60-70 degrees throughout the year. This is important for good leaf color and disease-free growth. There are two ways to accomplish this. One is slowly warming the whole house over several weeks in winter, starting at 55 degrees F then putting it back down to 60 once outside temperatures stabilize below 50 degrees F, or keep it near a stove vent, inside a greenhouse structure, under grow lights, etc.
- HUMIDITY: Maintain humidity levels of 40-50% throughout the year. The variegated vanilla orchid does best in humid conditions, but it’s okay to let the air get a little dry between misting once in a while.