Catasetum late season growths, or spikes?

[camille1585]

Time for an update on my plant, and I'm more and more certain that these are spikes, especially as I have now found a THIRD one on the same bulb, that was hidden by a dry leaf sheath until now!

I've had to stake up the bulb in a more upright position since the lowest spike is determined to grow downwards. I don't dare pull it up any further for fear of damaging/putting too much stress on the bulb. I've also set the pot into a heavier cache pot since it has a tendency to want to fall over, and I'd hate to break those spikes!

The leaves are starting to yellow, so I'm expecting that it will be nearly leafless by the time it blooms. I've been following your advice regarding watering Steve, but what do I do if the plant enters dormancy before having bloomed? Can the blooms survive without water?

[isurus79]

Yes, blooms can survive without water. However, your plant probably won't be fully dormant until around the end of December, which is about the same time the blooms should open.

[camille1585]

Update on the spike development, all 3 spikes are growing very nicely, and there's going to be about a dozen blooms per spike, at least. I can't wait to see them in full bloom!!!

Any idea why they've suddenly started growing upwards? The plant is sitting in a south facing window (though not much sun in recent weeks), and I try to keep the pot oriented the same way after watering.

[isurus79]

That’s normal!

[Dorchid]

Awesome!

[camille1585]

Update: The spikes have straightened out and the buds are developing nicely. I counted 39 buds on the 3 spikes.

I'm getting very curious to see the flowers though. I heard that most of the plants of this cross are blooming out in the cream to yellow tones, but the spike and buds on mine are developing a reddish hue. Oh the suspense!!!

[camille1585]

I know there's a high chance that nobody cares, but since evening I was so excited to see that theres one bud starting to open! I've been dying to see the flowers since it's the first plant I have which flowering for the first time, from seed. Looks like the flowers will be a creamy color possibly with pink tones, and it's speckled!

[Roberta]

That's fantastic! Photos required...

[camille1585]

The flower is still rather cupped but hasn't completely opened yet, and I LOVE it! Reminds me of vanilla ice cream made with real vanilla, with all of the black specks of seeds floating around in it. It looks really different from Steve's 2 plants of the same cross. Clowesetum Melana's Daughter- 2 siblings

[Mr.Fakename]

Daang it's cute, I really like the peachy color gradient.

Are these plants scented?