Phragmipedium Schlimii bud opening?

[Plodde]

Is my Phragmipedium Schlimii really about to bloom?? I've been waiting weeks for this one to open. At first I thought it blasted but then today I saw that it was starting to open!!!!!!!!!!

[Bud]

I am excited for you....looks like a beautiful bloom

[No-Pro-mwa]

So exiting, can't wait to see it opened.

[Plodde]

I will make sure to post follow up pix!

[Plodde]

A quick update

[MrHappyRotter]

Yea! Looks excellent to me. Congratulations! Schlimii has been such a super star in the genus, and it's one of my favorite species.

I'm not really a huge fan of pink, white or purple flowers in general, but something about schlimii transcends color preference. Top it off with one of the most incredibly pure, refined and beautiful fragrances of the slippers, and perhaps in all the orchid world, and that just equals a winner to me.

My Phrag. schlimii just finished blooming, but fortunately I have a new Seymour Tower (schlimii hybrid) with that same beautiful scent.

By the way, I don't know how much experience you have with phrags, but in case you're just starting out, I thought I'd give you a few pointers on care. Phrag. schlimii is a wet grower. So you'll want to water frequently and/or leave a bit of water in the plant's saucer at all times. Water quality is important, as phrags are less forgiving of poor water quality than many other genera, so don't over feed. This particular species appears, in my experience, to prefer slightly less light than most other phrags like. It will do better in paph/phal light levels than it will in dendrobium/cattleya level light which a lot of phrags enjoy.

[bethmarie]

Very cool Plodde! It's a beauty already.

[Plodde]

Originally Posted by MrHappyRotter

Yea! Looks excellent to me. Congratulations! Schlimii has been such a super star in the genus, and it's one of my favorite species.

I'm not really a huge fan of pink, white or purple flowers in general, but something about schlimii transcends color preference. Top it off with one of the most incredibly pure, refined and beautiful fragrances of the slippers, and perhaps in all the orchid world, and that just equals a winner to me.

My Phrag. schlimii just finished blooming, but fortunately I have a new Seymour Tower (schlimii hybrid) with that same beautiful scent.

By the way, I don't know how much experience you have with phrags, but in case you're just starting out, I thought I'd give you a few pointers on care. Phrag. schlimii is a wet grower. So you'll want to water frequently and/or leave a bit of water in the plant's saucer at all times. Water quality is important, as phrags are less forgiving of poor water quality than many other genera, so don't over feed. This particular species appears, in my experience, to prefer slightly less light than most other phrags like. It will do better in paph/phal light levels than it will in dendrobium/cattleya level light which a lot of phrags enjoy.

I agree with u 100%. This is one of the best smelling orchids I have. It came labeled as phragmipedium schlimii cotton candy and that's exactly what it smells like, candy!!!!
Thank you for the advice. I was living in San francisco when I bought it and have since moved to Palm desert. It seems to really like the bright shade its in now. I have it sitting in distilled water and I flush it once a week to keep the water fresh.
What is ur advice on temp and humidity?

Ps. I will be posting another picture tomorrow as the bud is opening so fast!!

[Tschimm]

Quote from the other schlimii thread :

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

They do best in cool to intermediate temperatures, (36 F - 85 F/2.2 C - 29.4 C). The species can tolerate temperatures of 90 F - 100 F/32.2 C - 37.8 C, but they don't look quite as good after some time in this upper temperature range. If it ever does go up to 90 F - 100 F/32.2 C - 37.8 C during the day, make sure it drops down to around 60 F - 65 F/15.6 C - 18.3 C at night.

[Plodde]

Got to wake up to this pretty thing! Didn't realize these open so fast! Just a hint of fragrant so far but it's oh so sweet!