Two first bloom Phalaenopsis fimbriata

Phalaenopsis fimbriata was discovered in 1921 in Java, and has purported a range from Sumatra to Sarawak (Borneo). As the name suggests, it has a distinct fimbriate lip that looks like a raised fringe with small projections on the edges at the midlobe of the lip. It is quite fragrant but it is not pleasant -- smells like burnt rubber and ammonia to me.

These are siblings from the same cross but have very different shape and forms. The one I've labeled #1 has larger flowers and "flatter" blooms, while #2 has the normal form of this species. 

Phalaenopsis fimbriata #1

Phalaenopsis fimbriata #2

First bloom Phalaenopsis cochlearis

Very excited to finally be able to bloom this Phalaenopsis cochlearis that's been growing here for about three years now. The first thing I noticed was that it's quite fragrant, very much like orange blossoms to me, but others have described it as lemony. It's a really cool flower and is my new favorite species!

This species has a purported limited range in Sarawakian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia, and according to the Nortons from Orchidview, Phal. cochlearis may already be extinct in the wild. It's not the best news, but reminds us of the importance of keeping this species in cultivation.

Phalaenopsis cochlearis