Sorry I didn't update the original post. When I last posted I had staked the plant and was hoping to make it to judging. The plant nevermade it to judging. When I left my friends greenhouse where my plant was growing he hung the plant back up but in a different spot. Unfortunately he hung it in a spot that was too hot and too sunny. Of the 110 buds on the plant, all but about 15 or so blasted. It did have one inflorescense that was in good shape but Fred Clarke who was in town to speak to my orchid society suggested that I not bring it to judging until next year, his feeling was that with the size of the plant, the judges would expect more flowers and would probably pass on the plant. Maybe next time things will work out better. The plant is back home and will stay here with me until it does eventually make it to judging.

Oh no, what a bummer! Bud blast is one of the most disappointing things that can happen to an orchid grower. You get your hopes up and mother nature kicks you in the stomach. I'm sorry about that. Please post pictures of the flowers that did open. Good luck next year.

What a heartbreak! I agree with tucker85. I'd rather lose a spike before they are that close to opening. It will eventually get to judging, but orchid growing is not for the faint of heart for sure! To many disappointments and much patience required :) We'd still like to see the inflorescence that did bloom. You'll have an appreciative audience here!

I was so miffed over the situation and didn't think to take pictures, will try to search my archieves and see if I can find one.

Thanks for the update Glen. That really "bites" (what happened). Will look forward to seeing pictures of the next blooms from you. I'm getting my own next month very excited, that is why I was leafing through the catasetum threads last night and came accross your post.

Is your friend still alive or did you kill him?....lol

lol, he is still alive but is still in fear of losing his life. It's really weird though, the plant only put out one new growth this year as opposed to last years 3 new growths.

any news on this ? I thought maybe the plant spiked at normal time ?
I just got one at our Orchid Society Auction. Its in bloom and I will post photos tomorrow on a separate thread.

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