Rupicolous Laelia / Sophronitis bloom just opened, but now closing?

[whygreenberg]

Hello there all! So here's a silly question with probably a simple answer, but I've been worrying it all day.

A bud opened up just this morning on my (Laelia milleri x L. cinnabarina) x Sophronitis cernua. Needless to say, I am thrilled (it is a beauty!) However, it appears to me that it may be beginning to close up or something?? Not sure, and maybe I'm blowing things out of proportion.

However, one thought I had...after doing a little bit of watering this morning, I moved the little cutie to be able to get a little better look at her. The only *real* impact the move *may* have had on her is that she got a bit more air movement than she had in her original spot. Could that short period of stronger air movement have caused the bloom to start closing back up??

Or is this more likely some of that peculiar Laelia bloom habit, where they keep gradually moving around and eventually flattening out?

[orchidsamore]

I think you are a new parent that is too hyper active.

Orchids do best ignored until they are ready to be admired.

[whygreenberg]

Heh heh...I'm sure you're right, Jerry. I am totally flipped out excited about this one. I got it about a year ago, and this is its first bloom. And since I primarily grow under CFL, any time one of these super-high light 'chids bloom, I totally flip out. Will hopefully be posting some photos in a day or two. This is a beautiful little cutie.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

That short move to another location shouldn't do any harm.

If that was the case, then I'd be in big trouble, cause I move my orchids to a different location briefly all the time, especially when I'm pollinating them.

[whygreenberg]

Too true, King! I think I've realized that this hybrid is going to hold it's flowers a bit cupped—more like the Soph. cernua—instead of flat like the rupicolous Laelias. Going to post photos soon in a different thread. She's a beauty!