A few years ago I received a basket of 6 or 8 (can't remember exactly) Phalaenopsis orchids in poor state. Some very dehydrated (due to lack of roots mostly), some over watered that lost almost all roots, some with mild scale infestation. I took care of them and made sure they get the hydration they need first and start growing the roots by keeping them in constantly moist but well ventilated pots. Roots started to show up, then the leaves... flowers can wait.
One year after this one plant decided to bloom! She grew a spike with just one flower on. But boy... she is so pretty even with just one she looks gorgeous. And that one flower lasted for weeks!
The next year while the rest was still recovering and getting bigger, she decided to extend the old spike and grow two flowers - you can see an unopened bud hiding behind the flower on the photos.
The colour is just stunning on this one. Deep cherry purple with some sparkle (like my African Violets). Additionally on the bottom petals it has this very cute pattern.
As a bonus, when I was repoting the first time she had a small keiki (an orchid baby) growing on the side. I removed it since it had own roots and will not drain energy from the mother plant that I tried to rescue (she still had bigger chance of survival anyway and I wanted to have at least one). Now the baby is also bigger and growing nice healthy leaves and roots. Still a long wait until it blooms, but it is nice to see it doing well. I hope I find it a new home when it gets bigger, since I don't need two the same orchids.
Just look at it!
The best reward is to see the plants thrive.
»«
Shot with Nikon D5500 + Sigma 105mm lens
All photos and text are my own.
»»-------------¤-------------««
To support the project
vote for 
steemit.com, or SteemConnect
Thank you.
