C. Fascelis, 1st Bloom

[marie458]

I recall watching one of Stephen's videos regarding how ugly some 1st blooms on an orchid can be. He mentioned that some orchids just need practice getting it right. So, every time I get a wonky-looking bloom, I say to my chid, "It's OK. You just need more practice. Next time you'll look so much better."

This week I had to give my C. Fascelis (C. aclandiae x C. bicolor) the "pep talk" because he isn't looking very handsome to me. Those petals look so sad. It wasn't all his fault, though. I suspect insect pest activity that I missed when the orchid was in sheath/bud didn't help any.

Luckily, in my experience, my other orchids affected by such a problem managed to produce subsequent blooms that were normal and beautiful. Hopefully, with more due diligence on my part, my C. Fascelis will do the same.

[DeaC]

I've a noid Phal. that throws out 1 wonky flower amidst its normal looking sibs and I love that! Simply reminds me that we're all different. It does its thing.

[Roberta]

It just looks munched... stuff happens. Next year...

Hanging doesn't necessarily stop that either... a couple of years ago I was watching C. tigrina develop a beautiful head of flowers... came out one morning to find only one bud remaining. And there was a slug on the plant. Not even close to another plant. Top of the hanger was 9 feet ( 3 m) up. Slugs fly. (Probably climbed up a support but a long hike)

[isurus79]

Lots of good potential in that one!!