How long does it take a bloom to open?

[ChasWG]

I ask this because I have never actually seen a bloom open from bud to flower. As I'm sure most of you haven't either. But at last there is hope!!!

I have set up my digital video camera to record the opening of the last bud on my harliquin Phalenopsis. It has just started to roll back the edges of the petals. And I am hoping that by tonight the floower willbe fully open.
I have my camera set to interval record every 10 mins. for 1.5 seconds. A new tape was loaded, camera on a tripod, the lights are set and will stay on the entire recording time and hopefully my kids will just stay clear of the whole deal. I even posted signs all around the setting.

So hopefully when it's all done I'll edit it down and be able to post it here for you all. I use Photobucket to post pictures here, can I also use that to post a vid or is there a better site for that?

Maybe I have too much time on my hands... What's that they say about idle hands and the devil...?

[Royal]

Cool idea. I've seen some time-lapse bloom videos, but I've never considered doing it myself!

[ChasWG]

The idea just popped into my head this moring as I was getting ready for the day. This is how many of my hair-brained ideas come to me. I have this particular orchid in my bathroom East window and it seems to really like it there. The plant is fully in bloom now and is quite the sight. Huge green leaves and two very tall spikes with loads of dark reddish, purple and white spottted blooms. In all this I have only lost bud on the plant.

Anyhow, I can't wait for it to open. I can't wait to see the video!

[kinknstein]

Good question Chas, I have never managed to see it all, I have a Paph niveum, and when it was ready to bloom I sat in the garden for about an hour watching it slowly crack open, and wouldn't you know it, I run upstairs for just a second and that was the second she decided to open fully. Your idea sounds like a good one though!

[ChasWG]

Man, I hope it doesn't open that fast! I have the intervalometer set 1.5 secs. record time every 10 minutes. Hmmmm... Maybe I should reset it to every 5 minutes. It'll be a longer video, but will have more info and detail. Hmmmmmm...

So far I have only 16.7 seconds recorded. I can physically see a difference in the bud itself. It is happening, but very slowly. Hmmmmm...

I'm going to reset the timer so I don't miss some big moment.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

To think about it, this sounds like a fun project to take on for an orchid where the flowers only stay open for less than a day.

[kinknstein]

Thats a really good idea king!! Be great to see a Vanilla time lapse!

[Zoi2]

That is such a great idea, I can't wait to see the video!
Joann

[ChasWG]

Alright, what is it they say about a watched pot that never boils...?
Bloom Already!!!!!!! It's been since 9:45 am this morning and still no total bloom... Sheeesh!

Well so far the bloom is taking it's time. No one in the house has messed with the camera, lights or the plant, but still no flower. Only part way. The outer petals are opening and I have a total of 2 minutes, 57 seconds and 23 frames of footage. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!! I want to see the whole deal now... Whaaaaaaaaaa...

[Pilot]

Chas-- great idea-- I look forward to seeing it.