Masd. Highland Fling, finally a bloom!

[silken]

Finally I have succeeded in getting a bloom from this plant. Actually this is the 2nd one but the first is finished and it bloomed in the greenhouse in hot weather so it wasn't at its best.

This has thrown over 30 spikes for me that have always blasted. The buds seem to be enclosed in a heavy casing that they cannot get out of on their own. So finally after trying misting and different environments, I have started surgically removing the sheath myself with a set of very fine, sharp cuticle scissors. As the spike grows I often have to remove a 2nd sheath as well. This has resulted in a few blooms and a few more that are nearly open. Klutz that I am I accidentally lopped off the 2nd one that would have bloomed Oh well, I get to see it.

After all the fuss, I am not sure what to think. They don't look as nice as the OrchidWiz photos. But I am hoping to grow this in a cooler more humid area eventually so I won't judge these first few blooms too harshly! It is not getting a lot of humidity now and that may be the blasting problem although I have a couple other Masdies that don't have this problem. The plant itself is robust and very much wants to bloom. It would be an awesome specimen if I could succeed with every spike. For now here is Masdevallia Highland Fling! I'll take a picture of the entire plant in a day or two when I have more time. Maybe another bloom will open by then!

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