IWAN Apple Blossom "Little Elf"

[susiep]

I have some questions about my Apple Blossom. Here are some pictures. (1) It looks a lot different from the ones I have seen here on OB. The bloom spikes are very long. The flowers are solid yellow and in tight bunches of 7-8. They don't flare open, but stay semi-closed. Also it has no fragrance. Is it possibly misnamed? I think I got it at the Miami Orchid Show 2-4 years ago. (2) Also I noticed it has one bloom spike that is dying. It is turning yellow from the middle of the stem going towards the buds. It still has a couple unopened buds on it. My plants don't like it when I bring them inside into the air conditioning (too dry) and phals will sometimes drop buds. Could this be a reaction to dryness? I don't remember this plant doing this before.

[minicatt]

I suspect this is actually a hybrid called Dialaeliocattleya Controversy. The cross is Dl. Snowflake x Lc. Trick or Treat. I don't believe any of the Appleblossoms were this solid yellow color.
Peter.

[Dorothy]

I have yet to find a 'Little Elf' but I did find 'Golden Elf' and would say that there are Apple Blossoms occuring with that intense yellow tone - Iwanagara Apple Blossom'Golden Elf'.jpg
It could be a reaction to environmental change .. reduced lighting, temperature and humidity differences all play a part. When did you change their location?
I know my Apple Blossom loves as much sun as I can provide it .. (bearing it becomes acclimated over time) (If you notice in the photo of the 'Golden Elf', it's flowers aren't totally flared either)
Also what is your watering and fertilizing schedule for this plant?

[Neverend]

You know, my Iwan AB Golden Elf looks like yours and have the same characteristics as yours, just that mine doesn't bloom that well.

It gives me a lot of weird flowers though, I guess it prefers cooler temps, the recent rise in temperature in my area is making the flowers wonky.

[susiep]

Thanks, Dorothy! My plant is definitely Golden Elf (labeled wrong by me or someone else). Aren't those some crazy long spikes for that type of flower! The plant is actually doing very well. I am starting to wonder if that messed up spike isn't just damage (wind or bug or me). Because everything else is fine. It is a few years old now and really is looking pretty good. It's growing out of it's basket like most of my plants. Neverend, this plant has never had cool temps. I am in South Florida and it lives outside in a screened slat house. I very seldom fertilize, 3-4 times a year and only supplement with hose drenching when it doesn't rain for 3-4 days in a row (winter time). Because I am so neglectful about feeding, I have recently supplemented with Dynamite time release but that is only good for plants with roots inside pots or baskets. Well I have to go cover the orchid house with a tarp. It is supposed to get cold tonight and it is already getting very windy! Thanks again everyone for the advice!

[quiltergal]

Santa Barbara Orchid Estate has the golden version of Appleblossom. I have the pink/white/yellow one. I'd like to have the golden one too.

Iwanagara Appleblossom 'Golden' at Santa Barbara Orchid Estate

[Dorothy]

I am not crazy about using time release fertilizers with orchids .. personal perference ..
You can try to dilute some fertilizer in a spray bottle and spray the aerials
Here is another face-on shot of "Golden Elf" - Iwan. Apple Blossom 'Golden Elf'

[susiep]

Yes, that is my Apple Blossom! I know timed release fertilizers are not what is popular. However, if you are lazy like me and only get to it 2-3 times a year the plants probably appreciate the extra meal. Plus outdoor living in the tropics is a totally different situation. We get rain for approx 8 months of the year that would flood the rest of the country. In spring-summer we can get a 2 hour "shower" that can wash away any trace of dirt, mulch, organic matter, etc. I am pretty sure a majority of these timed release capsules are washed away into my yard. Hopefully my grass will benefit!

[cb977]

What a great plant! It's gorgeous!
Iwan Apple Blossom is my absolute favorite for fragrance...it should be bottled!!!

[4orchids]

Hi minicatt, see you Thursday in Santa Barbara.