Happy New Year, everyone! There’s no better way to kick off the year than with some vibrant new life in our home .. And by that, I mean blooms! For the past few weeks, we've been eagerly watching our Wilas x Dr. Anek Vanda Orchid, waiting for those tight red flower buds to finally reveal their splendor. A couple of days ago, the wait ended, and let me tell you, they are absolutely stunning! Their deep red hues bring such warmth and vibrancy to the space.
Now, both of our Vanda Orchids are in full bloom, and it’s hard to stop staring at them.
I’ll admit, there were moments of doubt .. About whether we could provide the ideal environment for these beauties to thrive. Vanda Orchids are notoriously particular about their care. However, with some excellent advice from our local orchid farmer (shoutout to their invaluable expertise) and a healthy dose of daily attention, we’ve been rewarded with these incredible flowers. It’s a great reminder that patience and persistence truly pay off. What a wonderful way to start the year on the right foot!
This morning, as I was preparing to drop the orchids into their watering bucket for their daily soak .. Mr. Huxley decided he needed to investigate. Naturally curious (as always), he came trotting over to see what I was up to. I picked him up so he could get a closer look, and his reaction was priceless. A little sniff, a gentle lick, and an approving wag of the tail. Our tiny connoisseur seems to love them just as much as we do! Of course, I’ll have to keep an eye on him to make sure his “involvement” doesn’t extend to chewing on leaves.
For those who are curious .. Here’s a little insight into our Vanda routine: every day, I place the orchids into a bucket of water for about 30 minutes. This practice ensures they get the hydration they need to stay healthy and bloom. At first, I’ll admit it was a bit of a challenge to remember this step in the daily shuffle of life, but now it’s become second nature. That consistency has clearly paid off, and the results speak for themselves.
While the Wilas x Dr. Anek flowers are about half the size of the Pachara’s Delight blooms .. They are no less captivating. Each variety brings its unique charm and color to our little indoor garden, and having both in bloom together feels like a true celebration. Their presence brings a sense of accomplishment and joy to the new year, reminding us to nurture and cherish the beauty around us—whether it’s a plant, a pet, or a creative endeavor.
I think the centers of the Vanda blooms look like a bee or insect with legs hanging down. What do you think? I saw it and now I can't un-see it. lol.
Wishing all of you a fresh start and the fulfillment of whatever you’ve been patiently nurturing in your own lives. And now, off to enjoy the view of these vibrant red and purple blossoms while they last!
