Cattleya forbesii in bloom

[Salixx]

This species is supposed to be scented, but mine doesn't have a scent, at least not yet. The ants have been all over it though, so I don't know if that has something to do with it. I have placed it in a soapy water mote to deter the ants and have started picking them off as I see them.

The bloom started opening Monday and was fully open by Wednesday. The last two days have been cool and overcast and today has been hotter but still overcast. I have check in the morning, afternoon and evening. Anybody grow this guy and know when the scent comes? Maybe the flower isn't mature enough yet?

[Bud]

I love the colors, textures and shapes of the bloom. The more humidity it gets the scent will manifest. Check early in the morning or late in the day for the scent to manifest. Most scents are very light in the middle of the day. Your grow zone is ideal for orchids in the height of summer but bring them all indoors after labor day.

[Salixx]

Thanks! I have been eagerly awaiting flowers on this plant since some buds first appeared in the sheath mid-May and I love it so much. The colors are subtle. The camera doesn't quite catch it, but the back tips of the petals/sepals are a lovely emerald color.

Thanks for the info on the scent, maybe I will catch it tonight at dusk or tomorrow morning then. It's been quite humid today (70%) and will hopefully also be tomorrow. I'll check at dusk tonight. I should be up early tomorrow and I'll try again then. I'm going to keep being optimistic.

[rbarata]

Lovely flowers!
About the scent, the description I have says it's slightly scented.

[Salixx]

Originally Posted by rbarata

Lovely flowers!
About the scent, the description I have says it's slightly scented.

I was finally able to detect a scent very early this morning . It is very light - you have to put your nose to the flower but it does smell similar to honeysuckle.