Orchids and hibiscus!

Since we don't have a yard here in Penang, Rox had decided she would try to grow orchids here!  I mean, they're native to the area, so what could be easier?  Since I haven't found a plant nursery yet, our first plant came from none other than Tesco and cost about 9 RM (~$3 US).  This plant would have cost us about $20 back home, so it made the gamble that much easier.  Well, I brought it home and hung it in the breezeway leading up to our door.  It gets a nice breeze and afternoon sun, so nothing too harsh.  I promptly left it alone only watering it about once per week and even then, very lightly.  Well, after about 2 months, we have our very first orchids opening and they are just beautiful! These photos were taken this afternoon as the sun was setting...

Once it is done flowering, I will move it to a larger pot as it has outgrown the original basket.  Need to find some dry wood chips or charcoal as it does not need soil.  Our other nice surprise was buying a few plants from some neighbors who were moving away a couple of weeks ago.  We picked up some more orchids (different variety), an ornamental plant or two and a large hibiscus tree we've placed on our balcony/ patio where it gets the morning sun.  The hibiscus started blooming last week and produces a very nice red "double" bloom if I am recalling my varieties correctly.  Different from the ones we grew in Florida, but clearly from the hibiscus family.



So we are off to a good start with the plants and hope to add some more soon!  We really miss our yard (not really the mowing and weeding part) and especially the butterfly garden.  We don't think butterflies will fly as high as our balcony, so not sure if we'll try that here.  You never know...