Howeara (Hwra.) Lava Burst Puanani is an intergeneric hybrid between Leochilus, oncidium and Rodriguezia. (Hwra. Mini-Primi x Rdza. secunda ?) The compact plants (about 8 inches in height) produce multiple sprays of deep red flowers that are long lasting.

It has been reported that these orchids flower twice a year when grown correctly. To my big surprise mine is now blooming for the 3rd time within 10 months.

Hwra. Lava Burst earned an award of merit from the American Orchid Society.

I bought this orchid from a local garden center in July 2004, with the blooms just opening. It bloomed for a long time, til the end of August. The next spikes appeared in December and the fotos here were taken in January.

To my big surprise the next spike already appeared in early May and I expect them to open in June. This is the third flowering within a year

Since then this orchid has been blooming 4 times a year.

The orchid is growing in a south-west facing window in a clay pot on coconut husks. I water it twice a week and fertilize every two weeks. During the cold Minnesotan winters I increase the distance to the window to decrase the danger of cold drafts and the watering schedule to compensate for the dry air.