Machu Picchu, I actually did it

[Grandma M]

I did it, I did it, I did it. After killing one Machu Picchu about 4 years ago, I actually kept this one alive and brought it into bloom. I couldn't capture the actual color, it is a very deep color, almost plumb. It has a very fine, 24" stem and needs staking. It is a first bloom on a young plant with only 5 leaves.

I expected it to be more red but I love it and the shape is almost perfect.

Marilyn

[Blueszz]

Congrats! Beautiful flower, must be worth the waiting!
Thanks for sharing, didn't see that flower before.

Nicole

[Ranchnanny]

Very beautiful and congratulations on your Masd. growing skills.... I myself killed my only Masd.

Sheridan

[quiltingwacko]

Congratulations on a lovely bloom! I fell in love with a Macchu Pichu at an orchid show once. Alas it was not for sale. Carol

[Marty]

I did it too Nice growing !!!

[Grandma M]

Marty, I did it also. I'm not sure of the date but it may have been before you were born. I'm guessing, but I think it may have been about 1971 or 1972. It was very primitive at that time.

If I were a writer I could write a book about our experiences there. We intended to be there only 3 days but because we had to take a tiny plane out again, and we learned because the runway was on top of a mountain, we could not take off from there unless there was no wind, no rain, and no clouds. We spent 6 days there.

I'm glad I went, but if we had known how primitive it was I'm not sure we would have gone there. I was an unusual experience, to put it 'nicely'. We stayed in a "hotel"?????? near there. If I would tell you about that, you would not believe me.

I have been to many countries in Europe, almost all South American countries, traveled quite a bit in the US, but have never seen anything that impressed me like Machu Picchu.

Because of having been there, I just HAD to have that orchid. I wanted to cry when I lost the first one, it never bloomed for me. This one is a beauty.

Marilyn

[bcub30]

This is one of my favs! The only drawback being that it becomes a very large plant for a Masdie. I think it gets that from the coccinea parent! But mine is a gorgeaous deep plum color and looks as if its made of velvet. I picked mine up in SF out of a bench of about 500 in full bloom. Talk about being overwhelmed! That being said , mine grows like a weed. Very reliable and blooms off each new growth, sometimes successively as well off the same inflorescence. I grow it in fairly cool temps with higs of 65 and lows in the low 50's at night. Humidity seems to be hovering around 75 to 80% daytime and up to the mid 90% at night. I also give it constant brisk air movement. Easy conditions to provide when you an Orchidarium in your basement!

Scott

[Bolero]

Nice one! Not the easiest hybrid to grow but certainly one of the most spectacular.

For a moment there I thought you had done the clime to Machu Picchu in South America but this plant is just as impressive.

[Paul]

Congrats, Marilyn! Beautiful flower! Wish I had success with Masdies though one that tall would be beyond me anyway.

Originally Posted by Bolero

For a moment there I thought you had done the clime to Machu Picchu in South America but this plant is just as impressive.

I thought the same thing! LOL I would love to get to Machu Picchu! I envy you and Marty the experience.

[trdyl]

Congratulations, Marilyn! It's a lovely color.