Orchid mini logs

   Today I want to show some of my orchids on the logs. I gave a lot of thoughts about the best environment for my orchids (mostly Phalaenopsis). I wondered how they actually live like in the natural habitat. I searched some information about the natural habitat and its looks. Then I came up with the idea to tie down orchids on the log to mimic their natural habitat.
   Obviously, I wasn't the first one to come up with this idea. Like all the scientists come across with the brilliant idea, then only to find out someone else already thought about it. Anyways, here's how I did it.

   First, I chose my mini Phals, and maple logs we cut down from our yard first. You can't just use the log that has been sitting in your yard for a while. So I peeled the bark with the knife first and cut the edge with the saw. Luckily, it was the small log so I could do it with the hand saw.
   Second, I boiled the mini logs in my craft pot ( what I use for everything else than cooking food). I added cinnamon while it was boiling since I've heard that cinnamon is the natural anti-fungal substance.
   Third, take the logs out with the tongs and cool them down. Then put moss on the log, fix the orchid on it,  put some more moss around the root and tie it with the strings. You can use transparent strings from the craft store or fishing line. I used the cotton strings look, because I like the rustic looks.
    Last but not least, wet them, display them and enjoy!

Viola!

Two in one boat

   I couldn't stop and I went overboard with this mini log project. I made two individual ones, then I made another one with the two mini phals on a same bigger log. They have same color flowers, so when they do bloom, it would be double the joy:)

I'm think to make a big boy log soon. I eyed on one log already out in the yard. Hopefully, my orchids like the natural habitat "look alike" condition, be happy and bloom manymany more!!

   I have collected orchids for a while. It all started with the little one I got from my boyfriend couple of years ago....I always thought it was a mini phalaenopsis, it could be a mini vanda...But I'm not sure. I still love it very much though....
   I usually buy the orchids from the sale rack...since it is cheaper, and mainly I feel bad for the ones that are not wanted because they lost their "beauty." Anyways, I did a lot of experiment with them to find the best environment (light, moist, medium, temperatures, etc). I'm not sure how well I'm doing but I'm lucky to have all the orchids alive.
   So far, none of them re-bloomed. But one that I thought it was dying, was actually making a keiki from the roots. I wanted to cut the "cords" to save the mother plant since it looked like the mother plant was getting shriveled up. Also, I didn't want to kill the baby plant by disconnecting them too early. A couple of months later, I notice that the mother plant was doing "a little" better. Then, I saw the little pointy thing coming out of between the mother plant's leaves. I'm hoping it would be the flower stems or the roots. It would be very exciting to see the very first flower stem or it would be a relief if mother plant makes a better root system.

mother plant on the left, and baby on right.

little pointy thing from mother plant

big shot of mom plant and baby plant

   I also noticed little bump got bigger on my "welcome back"gift from my bf. As you can see, the five flowers that I pollinated closed and got slightly bigger on the flower stems. The rest are still open and nice. I wonder if that node is going to make a new flower stems or keiki. Either way, I am so excited for any news! I'll post one when it grows bigger.

Beautiful center piece.

Flower that I pollinate at the bottom.

Beautiful white moth phalaenopsis