Brassocattleya Maikai unscented??? - Orchid Board

InspirChid1712 · #1 10-31-2007, 10:46 AM

I recently bought my first cattleya at WalMart and I have been trying to identify the plant. I am now sure it is Bc. Maikai after stumbling across many photos while doing my research. I am curious as to why the flowers are not scented, however. I know this plant needs alot of light (which I am not sure that I can provide through the winter!!!) and it is probably stressed from being taken to my home, but I would still figure it should have some kind of scent. Does it only smell at night like its B. nodosa parent? I am really worried that it won't get enough light to flourish this winter, but I'd really like it to develop into a nice specimen. Is this hybrid tolerant of lower lighting conditions? Any specific cultural information would be GREATLY appreciated from anybody, especially if you have grown this plant!!! Its beautiful and I LOVE it... I just want to make it happy! THANKS!!!

cb977 · #2 10-31-2007, 11:05 AM

Just found a picture and I think it's beautiful!

I also found this article, doesn't say anything about fragrance but it does have some growing information:
Orchid Profile – Brassocattleya Maikai - Orchids

I did find two other articles which mention the fragrance coming from the B nodosa parentage, so try taking a sniff at night

pheli · #3 10-31-2007, 11:26 AM

Like B. nodosa, Brassocattleya Maikai would emit fragrance at night.

isurus79 · #4 10-31-2007, 09:11 PM

Ive noticed that sometimes plants wont smell after theyve been moved. Also, while Ive never actually owned this particualr hybrid, Ive noticed that if there is any kind of light that shines on a nodosa (ie. streetlight, house light, being indoors while the lights are on, etc.) it wont smell. You should leave it in your room for a few hours in total darkness, that way you can go to sleep when its smell is at full power. Of coarse, that works only if there is a smell! Hopefully there is!

Jo Ann · #5 11-01-2007, 10:12 AM

I got one of those too recently from the Home depot baggy plant section and mine just says BC. Maikai my research came up with a "Louise" and a "Mayumi" I feel your frustration when they dont ID a plant good. Even when I tried to visit there web site they didnt have a list of there own plants either....

Jo Ann · #6 11-01-2007, 10:37 AM

I can't tell you what to do. But I can tell you what not to do based on my most recent learning experience with B. nodosa. Dont leave it in an 8 inch coconut lined wire basket out in the rain for an extended period of time without it having a chance to dry out. This plant was growing the best out of my collection when suddenly the leaves started turning black and falling off. This hybrid that I picked up recently I put it in a wooden slate basket with orchid mix. So far with all the rain no damage is happening... (crossing my fingers)...

InspirChid1712 · #7 11-02-2007, 09:33 AM

I tried keeping the plant in total darkness and it TOTALLY worked! What a lovely, sweet smell!!!

quiltergal · #8 11-02-2007, 02:33 PM

Cool! Now I know I'll have to sneak up on my B. nodosa in the dark when it's buds finally pop.

2bugbabies · #9 01-12-2010, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InspirChid1712

I recently bought my first cattleya at WalMart and I have been trying to identify the plant. I am now sure it is Bc. Maikai after stumbling across many photos while doing my research. I am curious as to why the flowers are not scented, however. I know this plant needs alot of light (which I am not sure that I can provide through the winter!!!) and it is probably stressed from being taken to my home, but I would still figure it should have some kind of scent. Does it only smell at night like its B. nodosa parent? I am really worried that it won't get enough light to flourish this winter, but I'd really like it to develop into a nice specimen. Is this hybrid tolerant of lower lighting conditions? Any specific cultural information would be GREATLY appreciated from anybody, especially if you have grown this plant!!! Its beautiful and I LOVE it... I just want to make it happy! THANKS!!!

It actually produces it's scent in low light conditions much like a night blooming jasmine. You have to get the temp/light combination just right (mine produces a scent after about 6 hours of darkness and at about 65 degrees. Even if it's just a little too cold it won't have a scent. Varying light conditions can also affect the color of the flowers. They are a deeper hue in low light conditions and a pale color if in brighter conditions.