Springfield Orchids

Last Post

Inevitably, all good things come to an end.

I'VE NOW OFFICIALLY RETIRED, AND SPRINGFIELD ORCHIDS HAS CLOSED ITS DOORS FOR THE LAST TIME.

It has been a wonderful ride over the past 40 years, with many great memories - both of the people that I've met, and the many thousands of orchids that I have bred, nurtured, bloomed and found new homes for.

Doing something that I was passionate about felt less of a job, and more of a lifestyle.

A sincere thank you to everyone who has been a part of my orchid experience over the last four decades.
And a special thank you to Christine- my long suffering (but never complaining) supportive wife.

Adios; arriverderci; au revoir; auf wiedersehen; dovidenja; sayonara; tam biet - and goodbye.

Nado

1st time bloomers - 2023

Here is a small sample of some of my first flowering cymbidium seedlings i.e. orchids produced from seed and therefore, unique.

NEW BEGINNINGS

This week saw the biggest shipment of cymbidium seedling flasks that I've ever received at the one time.
85 flasks (each containing approximately 25 plants) - involving 20 different crossings.
That means over 2000 new babies are just starting their new journey on the outside - having spent between 16 & 18 months in the lab after my seed pods were sent to a professional laboratory for processing.

Background:
The plants in the flasks have experienced laboratory temperatures of about 25 degrees Celsius throughout their existence prior to leaving the eastern states on their trip to Perth ( by air, of course).

What Now?
After de-flasking, the babies go into a growing box (i.e. incubator) at night, where the temperature is a comfortable 20 degrees.
This is to avoid the chilly 5 & 6 degree C nights currently being experienced in Perth.
During the day they are put outdoors (under cover) to gradually get them used to our conditions.

Potting Mix:
The potting mix that I use for these babies is the Osmocote Seed & Cutting Premium Potting Mix ( readily available at Bunnings stores for a little under $13 for a 25 litre bag).

Downside:
The worst thing about the de-flasking is the sore back that comes after many hours bent over the kitchen sink.

The Future:
The seedlings are still about 3 years away from being big enough to flower.
All will be different from each other as they have been produced from seed (not cloning).
Exciting times ahead growing these babies and eventually seeing them in their full glory in 2025 and 2026.

SOME NEW SEEDLINGS OVER THE LAST SIX WEEKS