Maxillaria Tenuifolia Hybrid

[Duane McDowell]

This won't be terribly helpful either, I'm afraid. However... There are several really great Maxillarias that have wonderful fragrances, and they bloom at various times of the year. I remember fractiflexa being especially nice when I grew it. I got mine from Orquideas del Valle out of Colombia (Untitled Document). She comes to the US regularly and ships from Miami. Hmmm... Max. (fractiflexa x tenuifolia) might be worth making.

[CoconutOrchid]

Hmm that is actually some great info you gave me Duane. I will have to look into scents of the others and see what spikes my interest. What did the fractiflexa smell like and how often did it bloom?

As far as a hybrid between the two I am really new to crossing orchids, new to orchids in general actually, but if you or anyone reading this would be interested in trying it, my Tenuifolia is still in bloom and I could supply some pollen.

Also, if anyone has simple steps on crossing orchids maybe I could try it out myself

-Tommy

[Duane McDowell]

Tommy,
Max. fractiflexa blooms a couple of times a year. I remember it being in bloom a lot, but it's been 14 years since I've grown it... Max grandiflora is big and beautiful and fragrant, too.
While making a hybrid would be fun, you might want to try a number of different species first. Part of that would be getting to know which ones grow best for you, etc... Another part is that hybrids take a LONG time to grow and it's an expensive proposition all the way around (flasking, bench space, and so forth). If it were me, I'd pick up several different species and see which ones I loved. M. fractiflexa stands out as having been fantastic. I'm not sure who all offers different ones here in the US, but they're really easy to get from Ecuagenera (www.ecuagenera.com), Orquideas del Valle (Untitled Document) and Colomborquideas (Catalog Colombian Orchid Imports). Most of them like to be potted in small pots but not allowed to dry out all the way. Hope this helps!
And, of course, when you fail to listen to all the excellent advice you get and decide to make your own hybrid ;^), you will need this information.
Lotte & Thomas Orchids
Be forewarned - it's a slippery slope.
All the best,
-d

[thakshila smith]

Coconut Orchid ,
your user name is lovable to me. Coconut tree is like Christmas
tree for us .It gives many presents.
Trunk we use as timber, as Leaves as hand work and when it weaved shelter for houses ,Fruits as vegetable and source of oils, even shells as firewood or spoons and husks coir for brushes and mattresses.
Nothing is wasted . Its a pleasure to hear that word.
I will search for that orchid .

[CoconutOrchid]

Thanks again everyone for the comments. I have found a lot of other nicely scented orchids and have also found some really nice Maxillaria Tenuifolias that should bloom at different seasons, so I am happy!
-Tommy