C. iricolor surprise bloom
 

This definitely comes as a surprise, but upon reflection it really isn't. The plant is supposed to bloom late winter/early spring. The plant is a recent (March) import from Ecuagenera, and it is mid winter there. In any case it's Christmas in July for me!

Can't wait to see more pictures!

Another sheath on a different plant has broken. But the real news is in the second pic. 3 days after the sheath broke and the flowers are starting to open! I do love a plant that doesn't dally when it's time to bloom, even if it means the flowers won't be around for long.

They look like they're going to be gorgeous. I've heard this one is super fragrant and I'm curious what the fragrance is like. Hope you'll post about it!

Even the half open flowers are starting to develop a fragrance. It's atypical of the "normal" Cattleya fragrances which include rose, Freesia, and vanilla notes among others. I read a description that categorized the fragrance of iricolor as similar to sweetened olive oil. For now I couldn't describe it any better.

Ok two half open flowers are filling the bedroom with a wonderful fragrance. I can't wait until all 3 on that spike are fully open. Or until the second plant which has 6 buds gets going!

Very cool looking blooms