C. tenebrosa

[rbarata]

I think, when tenebrosa existed in the wild, that it shared its habitat with purpurata.

@Roberta-I saw a video about both and their differences (brasilian grower) and he says that tenebrosas, when blooming, the sheaths appear at the moment the new leaves unfold. Then they stay green for months until the plant blooms.
Do your tenebrosa behave like that?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by rbarata

I think, when tenebrosa existed in the wild, that it shared its habitat with purpurata.

@Roberta-I saw a video about both and their differences (brasilian grower) and he says that tenebrosas, when blooming, the sheaths appear at the moment the new leaves unfold. Then they stay green for months until the plant blooms.
Do your tenebrosa behave like that?

They do... they are in sheath now, and I won't see flowers until July or August. Purpuratas are also starting sheaths, but those typically bloom from late May to early July (depends on the variety) and sheaths are just getting started. So they don't tease for as long.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Wow. I do not blame you!! Well played!

I don’t know how they are about it over there but I went to a local floral delivery place and got one of their collapsed delivery boxes for long flowers. It made a great travel case for a dendrobium I had to fly with once in spike since the security folks could all see inside and it was still protected.

Tell everyone it is for a girl (or boy depending on your gender and preferences) and you get a lot of “awww that’s so sweet” and not a lot of hassle.

I’m not complaining but flowers get away with a lot that PLANTS cannot lol

[neophyte]

DC - too funny!! lol

[SouthPark]

DC --- thanks for sharing those tricky (but apparently effective) tactics hahahaha!

What I plan to do is to transfer the contents of my carry-on case to checked-baggage suitcase. And put the orchid into my carry-on case, without the pot, and pack it virtually bare-root.

[smweaver]

Wonderful blooms--and I can see why it leaped into your arms. The plant itself looks very healthy, which is an added bonus, as you should have many more years of enjoyment ahead of you with this fantastic and (in my opinion) under-appreciated species. Congratulations on the flowers.

Steve

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by smweaver

The plant itself looks very healthy, which is an added bonus, as you should have many more years of enjoyment ahead of you with this fantastic and (in my opinion) under-appreciated species. Congratulations on the flowers.

Thanks very much for the wonderful comments Steve. Totally agree about the appreciation of this species. The tenebrosa's primeval look together with its particular colour combination is really interesting.

I'm flying home tonight, and the plant is now out of its pot - bare root now.

I noticed that the flowers began to wilt on the day after the photos were taken. And - very surprisingly - when I cut the sheath and spike this morning - fresh water just gushed out from the sheath! That may well have been linked to the wilting. It might have been raining at the orchid nursery or they use over-head watering systems.

All under control though. Thanks again Steve!

[Bayard]

‘Rainforest’ is fine example of this species. The flowers can be 20cm across. I’ve been looking for this one for awhile since I lost my plant. Good growing!

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Bayard

‘Rainforest’ is fine example of this species. The flowers can be 20cm across. I’ve been looking for this one for awhile since I lost my plant. Good growing!

Thanks for mentioning the possible sizes that the flower can get Bayard. Good growing to you too Bayard! You'll definitely regain 'Rainforest' again.

[Fairorchids]

For travelling with orchids, I bring a large suitcase. Then, on the last day, I ship all my dirty laundry home in a cardboard box (mail or UPS ground). That leaves me with a whole suitcase, that can be filled with goodies.