Lanfengtang Miscellany: Appreciating Orchids, Part Two

Outstanding CultivarsSpring OrchidThe Narcissus Petal type includes various leaf shapes, because the flower forms classified under Narcissus Petal vary greatly, with different postures, some delicate and some bold. The flower buds of Narcissus Petal also possess the spiritual charm of Plum Petal buds and the extraordinary splendor of Lotus Petal buds. Now I will share my observations on their leaf shapes and flower buds.

(1) Leaves: The leaf shapes of Narcissus Petal orchids range from narrow to broad. Those with relatively narrow, small leaves have thicker leaf texture, and the mid-leaf spread is not very pronounced, so their flower petals also tend to be narrower, but their leaf tips have a better hood, and the leaf veins are similar to those of Plum Petal grass, and the leaf margin serrations are also fairly similar to the serration characteristics of Plum Petal grass. Those with broader leaves generally have slightly thinner leaf texture; the mid-leaf spread is better but the leaf tip hood is shallower; the leaf veins are more prominent because the leaf texture is relatively thin; and the leaf margin serrations are more regular than those of Plum Petal grass. Leaf postures include upright, slanting, arched, drooping, and curled. Generally, the narrow-leaf types often produce true-form Plum-shaped Narcissus Petal flowers, while the broad-leaf types often produce smooth-mouthed Lotus-shaped Narcissus Petal flowers.

(2) Sheaths: The leaf sheath shape of Narcissus Petal orchids is mostly similar to that of Plum Petal orchids, with sharper sheath tips, slightly thinner texture, and slightly finer veins. The sheath tips of Plum-shaped Narcissus Petal orchids have white tips or colored tips, while Lotus-shaped Narcissus Petal orchids generally rarely have white tips.

(3) Buds: The flower buds of Narcissus Petal orchids are more slender and elongated than those of Plum Petal orchids, and the colors on the bud sheaths are fairly similar to those of Plum Petal orchids. However, the color variation and sand halo are ultimately not as attractive as those on Plum Petal bud sheaths; the veins on the bud sheaths are also finer and more glutinous, the vein paths are narrower, and the interveins are finer. The bud sheaths change color layer by layer, with extraordinary splendor. If the flower is a relatively martial-opening type or a Narcissus Petal bud with a connected and relatively large central socket, its middle part is more bulging, and the veins on the bud sheath are uneven in thickness and the running veins are not straight. Plum-shaped Narcissus Petal orchids have a better sand halo, while Lotus-shaped Narcissus Petal orchids have heavier coloring. As for the bud tips, Plum-shaped Narcissus Petal orchids have white tips or colored tips, while Lotus-shaped Narcissus Petal orchids generally rarely have white tips.

(4) Shoots: When the new shoots of Plum-shaped Narcissus Petal orchids emerge from the soil, they carry white tips or colored tips, and the shoot shape is slightly pointed and slender. When the new shoots of Lotus-shaped Narcissus Petal orchids emerge from the soil, they often carry heavy coloring, but generally have no white tips or colored tips, and the shoot shape is relatively thick and sturdy.

(5) Stems: The pseudobulbs of Plum-shaped Narcissus Petal orchids are slightly smaller but relatively round and neat, while the pseudobulbs of Lotus-shaped Narcissus Petal orchids are somewhat larger and more varied in shape.

Among Narcissus Petal orchids there are also some old flowers that fall between the official type and the clever type, as well as some with rather special petal shapes. Since I have not grown them before either, I have not been able to include them here. After some time, when I have filled in a little more of my knowledge, I will add them. Sorry.

The above is purely my personal observation and is for reference only. If there are any shortcomings or errors, I hope everyone will kindly correct and supplement them. Thank you.