Butterfly Orchids

I bought a butterfly orchid about three weeks ago. I spent 40 RMB, or about six US dollars. I am not sure if they are called butterfly orchids in English, but the person who sold them to me said they were 蝴蝶兰. When the new orchid was first brought home, two flowers were open, one of which since fell off. It seems to be one of the most common orchids on the market, but it is in flower and looks nice.

Orchids

I returned to my in laws' house to the happy sight of a flowering perennial in bloom. It looks to me like an Orchid of some sort, although I haven't been able to identify it or find any pictures of similar flowers. If any of my dear readers knows of a place where I can determine the name of this flower, Latin or otherwise, please communicate. I took these pictures today. Two flowers opened yesterday, and closed in the early evening. As the flowers close they twist into small red pieces before wilting and falling. They ought to continue blooming for quite some time, but each flower only seems to last for a day.

I hope to raise orchids and do some research on Chinese Orchid culture in the coming months.