Gongora leucochila

[isurus79]

I got this guy as a large seedling from Tropical Orchid Farm when I popped over to Maui this past labor day. I would say it has since doubled its size and its growth would put even the fastest nodosa hybrids to shame!! Unfortunately, with all this growth, it only put out one spike. Maybe Im just greedy Anyway, Im super stoked on what I have!! Hopefully next year's bloom will be ENORMOUS!! Or maybe Ill get more booms this summer.

[charmbutterfly]

Oh wow thats sooo cool!!

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by charmbutterfly

Oh wow thats sooo cool!!

Thanks! I peronally think they look like a candy cane mated with a vampire pterodactyl! No discernable smell though

[tuvoc]

Super neat flowers, Steve. I kind of thought marzipan gargoyles.

Kim

[Stasisgate]

Gongoras are one of my favs! (All are really... )

But I have a huge Gongora quinquinervis that has sent out 17 spikes already for the season and has loads more still emerging. I have mine growing in coconut husks in a hanging basket, getting plenty light and regular feedings. It's one of those orchids that never fail to bloom year after year!

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Stasisgate

Gongoras are one of my favs! (All are really... )

But I have a huge Gongora quinquinervis that has sent out 17 spikes already for the season and has loads more still emerging. I have mine growing in coconut husks in a hanging basket, getting plenty light and regular feedings. It's one of those orchids that never fail to bloom year after year!

17 spikes!?!?!?!?! Thats awesome!! Can you post more pics? I would love to see some closeups of both the plant and the flowers! It looks like you have another Gongora flowering too (or it could be the same plant, not sure). What is it? Any tips? I only got 1 spike this year on the leucochilla (first bloom ever for this plant, I think), though my escobariana is spiking right now too.

[Stasisgate]

Thanx!!

From my experience i realise that they barely have a rest period if any (like my quinquinervis which grows year round). At the beginning of spring my gongora begins to spike like clockwork, slowly at first and then with multitudes of spikes.

I've noticed that more mature plants spike more than younger ones, so just have patience and the bigger your plant gets, I'm positive, the more spikes you will see. The first time mine flowered I got but 2 spikes
Now look at it 2 years later.

[Stasisgate]

You can see other pics of the flower in my gallery. Check it out.

[isurus79]

Thanks for the pics and advice! I cant believe that your Gongora went from 2 spikes, 2 years ago to 17 spikes this year! Thats amazing. I cant wait!!

[Stasisgate]

Yeah, thanx...and the best part is that it's still spiking....MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA....clears throat.... got a little carried away there....