Jewel Orchid

My jewel orchid is flowering, later than usual and possibly for the last time. Normally by now it has produced a big bud that becomes next season’s plant, but I can’t find one. Soon the velvety leaves will turn bright red  and gradually wither away. Will it produce new leaves? I don’t know.

The plant has flowered five years in a row. Before that it didn’t flower for twenty-four years. I’ve had it about 35 years.

These are the leaves and the flowers are in extra shot. Because of the long stem I can’t get a close-up in one shot.

The nor’wester has turned cold again. The mountains, which were visible this morning, have vanished under heavy snow clouds.