Lycaste suaveolens

[RJSquirrel]

just started to open today complete with happy sap all over

..This is the only one I got to bloom for me. 3 others have new growths that are coming up. I think 1 has rotted bulbs bec I watered it too much. Its getting close to the trash as I dont need no bulb rot around. Already made more noob mistakes with these. I got water all over the leaves and didnt clean em up. Now I got a little trouble with the new growths having spotty leaves. arghh I know better and thats why it makes me mad not sad..But hey got 1 bloom out of the batch of 6 and thats better than no blooms.

[WhiteRabbit]

Nice - yes, 1 bloom is definitely better than none (I keep reminded myself of this)

[camille1585]

Glad you didn't give up with it, it's a nice bloom! Yup; 1 bloom is better than none! Any fragrance?

[RJSquirrel]

no fragrance yet but I hope when I get home this morning and start diggin around it dispenses some aroma therapy for me.
I hope to do better with the new growths. I see some of these with just tons of flowers on them and I get 1...I try not to be disappointed but I have lots to aspire to and its hard sometimes not to have a let down during the interim..thanks you

[camille1585]

I'm still struggling to get to know my Lycaste (aromatica) as well. Never got any blooms, and it doesn't seem like it wants to make new growths this year...

[RJSquirrel]

yes it has fragrance now i took it inside bec its getting too hot..but a very odd fragrance I cant really place. Its not bad just not similar to anything else I can think of..sweet and green is the best I can do.I bring a pic tomorrow its opened fully and very nice flat flower. Going to orchid meeting thursday. I dont think anyone here has ever brought in a bloomed one for viewing in the 2 years i been around

but thank you Im trying to get it together and find all these posts with questions for me..I feel bad I lose track too often..

[Susie11]

I have just ordered a Lycatse skinneri..... I have heard that can be 'difficult'. But I shall give it a go. I find the bloom so beautiful and elegant that it is worth the risk. It is a year from blooming which I think will give me ample time to get to know her and what she likes.

[RJSquirrel]

can be difficult ya know...but like you say worth trying and see if it likes you...I have 4 of them different ones and this was the only one bloomed. Lots of new growth. I cant give you any other advice except
dont let direct sun hit the leaves at all.
dont water the thin leaves heavily they dont like it and will get ugly fast. i try not to get water on mine at all now
keep the bulbs wet when they are growing but again dont hose down the new growths.water around the base. they will come up ugly and then they are ugly till they fall off
AND check the fur that ends up around the bulbs for bugs often.

and good luck!!
2 out of my 6 have been trashed already from bulb rot and I hope I helped you avoid this.


Lycaste skinneri types perform best with temperatures between 60 and 80 F, though they will tolerate slightly higher or lower temperatures.

[Susie11]

Thanks for the tip. Out of all of my orchids so far this and my soon to arrive Rossioglossum grande are the ones that are giving me the heebie jeebies. I shall take on board your advice and hope for the best.

[Bud]

Very nice. One flower is enough to make me happy...but if theres more then I am overjoyed...fragrant is great !