C. 'Ports of Paradise Emerald Isle' - Won't flower

[SueK]

I have had this flowering size division of C. Ports of Paradise Emerald Isle for 4 years and it hasn't flowered yet. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I am going wrong?

Does it maybe need stronger light than normal, because I have a feeling that my shadecloth is darker than 50% but I am not sure, as I bought the bush house 2nd hand. It is supposed to have a green flower. Does anyone else out there have this orchid who can tell me what growing conditions they have?

Thanks in anticipation of an answer.

[DebsC]

Hmmm, I don't have this particular catt but my first thought was, not enough light.

Next thought, maybe not old enough. But you've had it 4 years so it has to be getting close.

Try moving it slowly into brighter light, don't want it to sunburn by giving it a lot of light all at once.

Good Luck!!!

[SueK]

Thanks for your reply DebsC. It is actually a Blc. and it is definitely a large flowering size division. I will try moving it out of the bush house and see how that goes.

[Shirley]

Hi Sue, I also have one of these and it hasn't flowered for me yet but I thought perhaps it just wasn't big enough. I got it as a division two years ago. The leaves are looking a little reddish so I don't think it's a lack of light. Just keeping my fingers crossed!

[Dorothy]

What type of fertilizer are you using .. what is the N-P-K numbers and at what strength? (measured amount) and how often?
If you feed it fertilizer that is too high in Nitrogen .. that can impede blooming ..
I agree with the above posts with increasing it's lighting .. and again, to echo above, gradually allow it to adapt to the increasing light intensity ..

[pheli]

I have Ports of Paradise '3G' like its parent, Rhy. digibyana, strong light is must for blooming.
I grow mine with other large cattleyas. In summer, 50% shade is suggested while in other seasons, they receive direct sunlight.
Proper dryness is also recommended for this cross to develop good root system.

[justatypn]

Blc. 'Ports of Paradise Emerald Isle' love medium to high light all year round, shaded from bright summer sun but good light in the winter. They need fairly good light to help regular blooming which is generally annual in the spring or early summer months.

[Roly0217]

I've got two of the Blc Ports of PAradise one is the 'Emerald Isle' with new growth almost complete and the other one is still a seedling ' Green Chin Hua' I can't wait to see the flowers.

[Don Perusse]

Four years with a blooming size division should have produced flowers by now. I agree with above, check the light level and fertilizer. I was given a 3 psuedobulb division and it bloomed the following year. Don't give up hope as she is a beauty.

[SueK]

Thanks everybody for your answers. All very helpful. I am going to move it out of orchid house and give it much stronger light and really concentrate on trying to get it flowering. I am not giving up hope Don, cos the pics I have seen of it are gorgeous.

I didn't know it's parent was rhyncholaelia digbyana, but that makes sense of course. Digbyana is on my wish list and I have been promised a division of it by a Club member at the end of the year. It is spectacular and the perfume is quite amazing. I am counting the months til December.