Volume XXXVI, Issue 6, June 2013

he Pr t es m id o e r n f

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g

a Hello there,

s Pictures from the

s friends! I e M just want to May Show Table remind you about our auction and barbecue this Saturday, June 15th, 2013. It will begin at 10:30 AM. The Society will provide burgers and hotdogs. You can bring a side dish or dessert. Also, there is no show table and this is our only meeting for the month of June. We won’t be meeting on the third Tuesday; our next meeting will be July. Also note that there are still members with unpaid dues for the year. Please make sure you are current with Kieth Lichtman. I look forward to seeing you all this Saturday. Bring money! ~ John Foley, Pres. Iwanagara Apple Blossom ‘Golden Elf’

The Staten Island Orchid Society meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. All Saints Episcopal Church, 2329 Victory Blvd. at Wooley Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314 Pictures from the May Show Table

Lycaste Pieces of Eight “Hillside Moon” CEM/AOS

Prosthechea baculus

SIOS Page 2 Pictures from the May Show Table

Prosthechea baculus

SIOS Page 3 Pictures from the May Show Table

Galeopetalum Starburst (Galeotia fimbriata x Zygopetalum Jumping Jack)

Cattleya skinneri var. alba ‘Debby’ FCC/AOS

Dendrobium Nestor

SIOS Page 4 Pictures from the May Show Table

Cattleya skinneri var. alba ‘Debby’ FCC/AOS

SIOS Page 5 Pictures from the April Show Table

Neofinetia falcata ‘Sierra Snow’

SIOS Page 6 Pictures from the April Show Table

Howeara Lava Burst ‘Puanani’ AM/AOS

SIOS Page 7 Pictures from the May Show Table

Ascocentrum curvifolium

SIOS Page 8 Pictures from the May Show Table

Potinara Hwa Yuan Gold YK#2 AM/AOS

SIOS Page 9 Pictures from the May Show Table

Phalaenopsis hybrid

SIOS Page 10 Collector’s Items This month’s Collector’s Items These are sympodial is a double feature! Two shorter articles epiphytes or terrestrials. Their 5-7 cm (2- from the AOS on some really excellent 3”) pseudobulbs are distinctly conical and orchids. Enjoy! strongly four-angled. Each pseudobulb is topped by a single short-stalked Bifrenaria inodora Sander somewhat leathery, pleated up to 30cm long (12”). The , as is characteristic of the genus, are produced Reprinted from the AOS Website from the base of the pseudobulb matured (www.aos.org/Default.aspx?id=152) last year and carry one or two long-lasting up to 7.5cm (3”) across. While This beautiful little Brazilian jewel is there’s very little variation in the green flowering now (May). It, along with some color of the sepals and petals, the lip 20 other species in Bifrenaria belongs to can vary from white to yellow and even the tribe. While it should be a light rose. The only thing this beautiful theoretically possible to create hybrids species is missing is fragrance. Unlike with other genera in this tribe, very little whose fragrance has been done and the only intergeneric can be overpowering, Bifrenaria inodora hybrids of Bifrenaria are those with commonly has no fragrance (the name Lycaste (Lycastenaria). Bifrenarias, inodora means “without fragrance”). especially Bifrenaria inodora, are scarce in cultivation, though their attractive flowers and ease of cultivation should make them much better known to collectors.

Bifrenaria Jane Ann Cook ‘Carsyn Elise’ AM/AOS

Bifrenaria inodora ‘Gale’ CBM/AOS

SIOS Page 11 cucullata

Plants are easily grown in intermediate By Greg Allikas, October 2009 conditions, with good light and high Reprinted from the AOS Website humidity. Their basic requirements are (www.aos.org/Default.aspx?id=152) very similar to the warm-growing Lycastes and they should be much more common Weird and wonderful, Brassavola in cultivation than they are. They cucullata will add a conversation piece to best if pot-bound and resent having their any collection of orchids. Visitors often roots disturbed so they should be repotted comment, “That’s an orchid?” B. cucullata only when it is absolutely necessary to is the type species for the genus, yet avoid stale conditions at the roots. Any unique with its fringed lip with its long, good epiphytic mix will work well for these tapered tip. The species passed through plants as long as it doesn’t break down too several genera since it was first known as rapidly. While in active growth, they should Helleborine floribus albis, cucullatis Plum. be given as much water and humidity as (1703) based on a drawing of a from possible without decomposing the potting Haiti. In 1813 this species was used by R. mix. Once growth is completed, they Brown to establish the genus Brassavola. should be kept drier for several weeks with occasional misting and only enough water to keep the pseudobulbs from wrinkling. During this dry rest period, they can be kept in slightly cooler temperatures.

Bifrenaria inodora ‘Cardinal’s Roost’ CCM/ AOS

SIOS Page 12 This orchid can be found in the Like other members of the genus, , , B. cucullata has terete that are and , Trinidad, and even more pencil-like than its popular . As might be expected with cousin, Brassavola nodosa. Whereas the such a widely distributed species, it can latter species produces mostly upright be adapted to a wide range of cultural plants, the subject of this essay often environments and generally, is easy displays a semi-erect or drooping nature. to grow. One would also expect such This drooping habit makes B. cucullata a widely distributed species to display well suited for growing on a mount or in considerable variation in flowers. a basket. Not only do the plants droop, Surprisingly B. cucullata produces but so do the flowers. It is precisely these relatively consistent flowers regardless droopy flowers that draw you to, or repel of where the plants originate from. The you from this orchid. Either you like the biggest difference one sees from plant total departure from the full & round to plant is in the color of the flowers. standard, or you find it distasteful. Although generally concolor white, flowers can have more or less golden petals and sepals and I have seen some examples that have almost reddish flowers. I suspect that these colorful variations might be as much due to cultural factors as genetics because the same plant can produce white flowers one year, and golden ones the next. In any event, there is usually more color on the outside surfaces of the flowers than the insides and the color tends to darken as the flowers age.

Brassocattleya Crazyulosa (B. cucullata x C. granulosa). Hybrid by Allen Black

Rhynchovola David Sander Relatively little hybridizing has been (Brassavola cucullata x Rhyncholaelia done with B. cucullata. The best-known digbyana) hybrid is Rhynchovola David Sander (Brassavola cucullata x Rhyncholaelia

SIOS Page 13 digbyana). The frilly lip of both parents combines to make a large exotic flower with grace and beauty. A few other successful hybrids are being registered as breeders begin to recognize the species’ desirable, although dominant, characteristics. As with other members of the genus, B. cucullata has a sweet fragrance at night which is passed on to its hybrids. Being a low-elevation species from the tropics, B. cucullata can be grown within an intermediate temperature range of 55° to 60° F at night and 70° to 85° F during the day. It will easily tolerate higher temperatures during the summer . Here in South Florida our summer daytime highs will be in the low 90 s from July into October. Plants will also tolerate occasional low temperatures below 50° F as long as it is not for prolonged periods and plants are dry. If you choose to grow B. cucullata mounted you will probably need to water it three or more times per week depending on other cultural factors and seasonal J&L Orchid’s Summer Sale growth patterns. Potted plants will need Save the Date! less water but you will need to contain the long terete leaves with a ring stake. If you apply a half-strength solution of balanced Our biggest event fertilizer every week or two, your orchids of the year! will grow and flower better. June 28 thru July 7

References: Special Guest Vendors Withner, Carl. 1992. The Cattleyas and June 28, 29, 30 their Relatives, Volume V. Timber Press. Portland Lauris Rose – CalOrchid Carrie Raven-Riemann - I. McLeish, N.R.Pearce & B.R.Adams. 1995. Orchidphile Native Orchids of . A.A.Balkema. Rotterdam Workshops and picnic lunch J&L Orchids 20 Sherwood Rd. Easton CT Visit www.jlorchids.com for more info

SIOS Page 14 May Showtable Tallies: OFFICERS John Foley, President Jeff Li, Vice President Greenhouse: Amy Eli Trautwein, Co-Vice President Ronald Altman = 42 Colman Rutkin, Treasurer Carol Cammarano, Co-Treasurer Colman Rutkin = 31 Sharon Jaffee, Secretary / AOS Rep Keith Litchman, Membership Secretary Lights: TRUSTEES Pat Cammarano = 7 Ron Altman, D.D.S. Renee Lichtman = 14 Carol Cammarano Patrick Cammarano Gerry Cassella Windowsill: Roy Fox Roy & Gertrude Fox = 23 Renee Lichtman David O’Dell Sharon Jaffee = 7 Kathleen Ruoti Jeffrey Li = 19 Karen Silverman

Amy Trautwein = 19 NEWSLETTER Jeff Li, Editor

SIOS Page 15 Join us for the 3rd annual: INTERNATIONAL PHALAENOPSIS ALLIANCE “FOCUS ON PHALS” DAY Co-hosted by the North Eastern New York & Mid-Hudson Orchid Societies

Sunday, September 15, 2013 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY

In conjunction with the North Eastern New York & Mid-Hudson Orchid Societies, IPA is pleased to present its 3rd Annual Speakers’ Day, “Focus On Phals”. This day-long event will include our keynote speaker, Norman Fang of Norman’s Orchids who will delve deeper into the secrets of growing successfully in New Zealand Moss. Joining him will be Tom Harper of Stones River Orchids in Tennessee. His presentation will focus on the top six Phal species influencing today’s modern hybrids. Carri Raven-Riemann, past IPA President & current Regional Director, will update us on some of the cutting edge directions in breeding from the Taiwan 2013 TIOS Show and from some new young hybridizers.

The day will also include a roundtable discussion and a mini-auction of select plants. The Registration Fee covers just the cost of morning refreshments and a light lunch. We invite all orchidists, IPA members and non-members alike, to join us for this very special Speakers’ Day. Guest vendors will include: Norman’s Orchids, Stones River Orchids, the orchidPhile and Kelley’s Korner Orchid Supplies.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

8:30 - 9:15 am Morning Refreshments & Sales Tables Open 9:30 - 10:15 am Tom Harper: The Six Most Important Species Influencing Today’s Hybrids 10:30 - 11:15 am Carri Raven-Riemann: From Mega to Micro: New Horizons in Phal Hybridizing 11:15 - 11:45 am Mini Auction (to raise funds for future meetings) 11:45 - 12:45 pm Lunch Break & Sales Tables Open 12:45 – 1:30 pm Norman Fang: Moss Culture: Part II 1:30 - 2:00 pm Roundtable Discussion with the Speakers 2:00 – 4:00 pm Open House at Piping Rock Orchids

*** PLEASE NOTE: EARLY & FULLY PAID REGISTRATIONS BY AUGUST 30th ARE REQUIRED ! Registration for NENY & Mid-Huson OS Members Only: $ 15 Registration for non-NENY/Mid-Huson OS Members: $18 Registrations must be received & paid for by August 30th to assure we have enough food for all !

For further information contact: New England Regional Director: Carri Raven-Riemann at [email protected] or (203) 329-7255 New York Regional Director: Marilyn Shapiro at [email protected] or (212) 831-3076 New Jersey/Pennsylvania Regional Director: Mitch Paroly at [email protected] or (215) 943-7516 Mid-Atlantic Regional Director: Les Werner at [email protected] or (410) 793-0756 Additional information will also be available on the IPA Website (www.phal.org)

======REGISTRATION FORM: Must be received no later than August 30, 2013 IPA/NENY/Mid-Hudson OS “Focus on Phals” for Sunday, September 15, 2013

NAME(S): ______TELEPHONE: ______

ADDRESS: ______CITY: ______STATE: ____ ZIP: ______

E-MAIL: ______HOME ORCHID SOCIETY: ______

NENY/Mid-Hudson OS Members Only: Enclosed is my check for _____ registration(s) at $15 each Non-NENY/Mid-Hudson OS Members: Enclosed is my check for _____ registration(s) at $18 each (payable to IPA)

Send form with check, Payable to IPA, to: IPA, c/o Marilyn Shapiro, 235 East 87th Street, Apt 5L, New York, NY 10128

For Vendor Pre-Orders - Please mention "IPA Regional Pre-Order" in subject line:

OrchidPhile: [email protected] (list available after August 16) Norman’s Orchids: www.orchids.com Kelley's Korner Orchid Supplies: [email protected] or www.kkorchid.com The American Orchid Society is the world’s leading provider of information about and related to orchids. We invite you to join us and learn about the world’s most fasci- American Orchid Society nating flowers and plants. Your membership at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden entitles you to our monthly award-winning 10901 Old Cutler Road magazine, Orchids, 10 percent discount on Coral Gables, FL 33156 items purchased at The AOS online store, free and discounted admission to more than www.aos.org 200 botanical gardens and arboreta and ex- clusive members-only online content. Novice Culture Sheet water. Let the water run accumulated salts from the through the plant for a potting mix. minute or so. Be sure to let the plant drain Tips completely. This is a good time to look Use a shallow tray of closely at your plant for pebbles filled with water to any sign of or increase humidity around disease. your plants. Be sure the pot does not sit in water as Light this will rot the roots.

Dendrobiums need lots of Give your plants room for light, but not direct sun. A air to circulate around lightly shaded south them. Crowding of plants window is best. East or can lead to problems with Dendrobium west facing windows are infestations and den-DROH-bee-um satisfactory if bright (avoid fungus. A small fan will direct sun except at the help provide good air Dendrobium is a diverse beginning or end of the circulation around your genus of orchids with day). plants. different cultural needs. This culture information is Temperature When your plant has for the phalenopsis-type finished blooming, you can dendrobiums pictured Dendrobiums can cut the flowering stem at above. They are withstand hot weather if the point where it came evergreen with thin, tall adequate ventilation and out of the tall thin stems (pseudobulbs). humidity are provided. pseudobulbs. Do not cut They are best grown when off the tall thin stem Water the temperature is because the new flower between 65°F and 75°F in stem will grow from there. Water your orchids in the the day and between 55°F Continue watering and morning so that the leaves to 60°F at night. fertilizing and within a year are dry before night. How a new growth will spike to begin the blooming cycle often to water depends on Keep in mind that the potting media used, temperatures close to the again! the type of pot (plastic or window on a windowsill clay), and the size of the will be colder or hotter When re-potting, use a pot. Dendrobiums like to than your general house small pot; using a large pot be in small pots and are temperature. will slow growth and usually much taller than reduces flowering the pot is wide. Because Fertilizer significantly. Re-pot every they are usually large two to three years. plants in relatively small Any balanced orchid pots, watering twice a fertilizer (look at the week is about average. numbers on the container, They like to be almost dry 20-20-20, etc.) can be before re-watering. used to fertilize your

orchid. Feed weakly (1/4 American Orchid Society When watering, place the strength) weekly works plant in the sink and use at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden well for dendrobiums. 10901 Old Cutler Road, tepid water. Do not use Once a month use clear Coral Gables, FL 33156 salt-softened or distilled water to flush any www.aos.org