Why my L.Ancep the petal curl back?

[bear88hunter]

My L. Ancep is blooming with two spikes. The first flower bloom well and in standard star shape. The second flower opens today but all the petals curl back. I notice the petals are very sticky on the back. Can anyone tell me what's the problem? Thanks

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!
Photos would help so we can see the issue. You can link to something like Flickr or Google Photos, or you can upload photos by clicking the Go Advanced button and scroll down to Manage Attachments... you will get a pop-up that lets you upload photos. Some people say that you need 5 posts to be able to do this, but I have see some photos from new members who have less... worth a try.

One thing that I have found with L. anceps... It's important that the buds get watered so that sticky sap gets softened, otherwise they have trouble opening. I suspect that might have happened. Try spraying them with water to wash some of that sap off the backs of the flowers. As the flowers mature, they still may straighten out.

[bear88hunter]

Thanks Roberta, I think the sticky Sap is the reason. I have cleaned the petals with water this morning but it seems to get worse. Maybe it is too late now but I will do so next time.

The first flower looks fine.
Flickr

Second flower petals curl back
Flickr

[Roberta]

It might open futher, but maybe not... I have had flowers not open at all when stuck, but I don't have the problem much , since the plants get watered from overhead and get a good bath. (I grow mine outside) Do you grow your L. anceps outside? They should do well in most of Australia, if they get a little shade in summer when it gets very hot.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

[bear88hunter]

I had the plant outside and only moved it inside once it started flowering. There's no rain in Sydney for almost two weeks and that maybe the reason why the sap built up. After my cleaning yesterday, the petals seems to straighten up, thanks.

[Roberta]

I'm glad that it is becoming more straight. Rain? Where I live, "rain" comes out of a hose or sprinkler. Especially if you have buds, you will need to give Mother Nature some help, I think.

[ArronOB]

It is a strange time for an anceps to flower if in Sydney. They usually flower at Easter - April, May at the latest.

I can’t see how that would be related though.

Welcome to the group.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by ArronOB

It is a strange time for an anceps to flower if in Sydney. They usually flower at Easter - April, May at the latest.

I can’t see how that would be related though.

Welcome to the group.

For me, L anceps blooms from late November to mid-January depending on the plant, most in December/January. So for Australia that corresponds to a range from late May to mid July. So to me, this blooming is exactly when I would expect it in the Southern Hemisphere.