Iwanagara Apple Blossom info needed

[caseydoll]

I just purchased one that is growing in s/h in a 4" pot. I don't know much about these other than it seems like a lot of you guys have one! I was just wondering if anyone can give me some general info on them. Should I treat it like any other catt? I only have 2 mini catts so I'm really not too experienced with them yet. Since it is growing in s/h I really only need info like how large it gets and what kind of light it prefers. I assume bright light? How big do they have to be to bloom? Mine says it is blooming size but seems pretty small. But it does have a few old cut off spikes. One more question, when does it bloom? I would be sooo thankful for any help!

[justatypn]

Not well versed with Iwanagara...but a bit of research, pretty simple keeping I would think...

Iwanagara Culture

Enjoy...

[Dorothy]

I find them to be easy growing. Like any catt, they love lots of light .. slowly move them into increasing light - mine can take 4-5 hours of direct sun a day but let me stress - it must be introduced slowly. I, let it for the most part, dry out over 4-7 days depending on the humidity of the air. I don't know what your conditions are or how you are growing it (indoors or out, orchidarium or window sill). Mine has grown tremendously from this spring and should spike again this fall. I fertilize it everytime and leave one water flushing a month to remove any salt build up.
The fragrance of the flower is outstanding - one of the all time best!
Everyone should have an apple blossom in their orchid collection.

[caseydoll]

Thank you Cheryl and Dorothy for the great info! I just am no good with the online searches. Everytime I look something up I get a bunch of sites that tell me nothing at all. I'm so happy you guys are here to help! By the way, I grow all my orchids in the window, so far all of them are in an east facing window. One of my windows is fairly sunny all morning long so I have it in the shadier of the two for now. I just hope I can give it enough light to bloom!

[sjMagoo]

Hi Sarah! I couldn't resist replying - my avatar is Iwanagara Apple Blossom. AND you and I share the same name! I notice you spell it correctly too

My IAB seems to bloom in Sept and last for a couple of months. Then it sends out new growth that bloom again in April when it repeats! A very easy chid to grow - very forgiving - mine is in about 50 degrees humidity and 70-75 temp. I don't repot for a couple of years and it seems to be OK. It receives a southern exposure that I supplement with lights to ensure 12 hours light.

Enjoy! and, as Dorothy says, the fragrance is outstanding!

[cb977]

Mine is grown in just a little less light than the Catts and it's doing well.

As everybody here mentioned...the fragrance is OUTSTANDING! It's my absolute fragrance of all...I find myself smiling every time I get a sniff when it's in bloom

[Dorothy]

Sarah - An Iwanagaara (Iwan) = Brassavola x Cattleya x Diacrium x Laelia
Marty keeps care sheets on the orchid alliances so you can even check this out for a little more info -
http://www.orchidboard.com/Cattleya-Culture-Care-Sheet

He has also added other little articles and info here - http://www.orchidboard.com/taxonomy_dhtml

Marty's da man!

[Dorothy]

Sue - now IAB would be a great scent to bottle!
I'd wear it everyday!
(and I am not one for perfume!)

[caseydoll]

Thank you!!! I knew you guys would give me some great info! I bought it just because I read about it so much from everyone here that I felt like I HAD to have it. Just curious, how would you describe the smell? All my fragrant orchids are somewhat recent purchases and have yet to bloom. I've never smelled one fragrant orchid myself and I can't wait!

And Sarah, thanks for your reply and I'm happy to say hi to another Sarah that spells her name right too!

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Dorothy

Sue - now IAB would be a great scent to bottle!
I'd wear it everyday!
(and I am not one for perfume!)

It should at least be an air freshener!