BLC San Juan Ruby 'Crowned Dragon' - flowers don't open fully

[Alars]

We purchased this plant a few years ago, bare-root from a a Taiwanese grower (Orchis, I believe). The plant grows well and blloms faithfully (in bloom right now) but, the flowers have a habit of not opening fully. The sepals and labium look fine, the two petals stay folded in toward the column. This is a real shame as the flowers are beautiful otherwise - large (about 4" across), deep purple with a yellow throat, wonderfully frilled and with a strong, sweet (think vanilla/licorice) scent.
Are we doing something wrong to cause this? We don't have this problem with other full-size catts. Is there anything we can do to help the flowers open more fully? Or did we just get a "bad" plant? If anyone has an idea, please let me know because this is otherwise a great plant. I have attached some pics (colour variation due to different lighting).

Thanks,

[Grandma M]

Maybe it's just shy.

[Becca]

That is too bad, the colors look beautiful. I am no help with why it is not opening fully, sorry!

[isurus79]

Thats a tough one. There is only one thing that might be going on. I noticed that when I used to bring my plants inside before they bloom, I tended to stop watering them. The blooms would then take FOREVER to open. Are you doing anything similar?? A lack of sunlight right before they bloom might do the same thing as well. Other than that, I dunno!! The colors really look nice and I can imagine your frustration!! I hope someone can nail it for you.

[cb977]

I'm thinking it may have something to do with a culture change...reduction of water/food, change in lighting or a sudden temperature change? The color is amazing, especially in the first photo...I love sparkly stuff

[minicatt]

I'm afraid you may have a "bad" plant or clone. Many catts have this fault where the petals pull forward. When you see the original plants in flower they have often been "pressed" with wires and plastic. This is perfectly acceptable practice in Taiwan!
See link here:

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Peter

[silberhaarig]

That's a disappointment,I'm sure.It is a gorgeous color!

Nancy

[DebsC]

It really is a shame that it doesn't open all the way. It's a gorgeous flower with a beautiful color and texture.

I've had first bloom catts do that some times but then on second blooming they improve. But I gather this plant has bloomed prior to this year.

I do hope someone can answer your question. Maybe post it in the Advanced Discussion?

[Alars]

Originally Posted by minicatt

I'm afraid you may have a "bad" plant or clone. Many catts have this fault where the petals pull forward. When you see the original plants in flower they have often been "pressed" with wires and plastic. This is perfectly acceptable practice in Taiwan!

Peter

I was afraid of as much. I don't think it will lessen our enjoyment of this plant - it just means we won't ever be able to show it - such a shame.

My thanks to all who responded - even if only to voice their encouragement. This is not the first time this plant has presented us with 'faulty' flowers. We give it the same treatment as or other catts (winters indoors under high-pressure sodium lamps, summer outdoors in a SSE exposure) and it it eh only one that give us this grief.

Thanks again.

[Toddybear]

I agree with Peter...I have Pot. Carabali and it's flowers never open fully...I'm convinced its just a bad clone.