The story of the applesauce orchid

[Reeses]

Hello everyone,
I am in the middle of comprehensive exams for my program, so I thought I would do a little self-indulgence and share one of my proudest orchid success stories: The tale of the applesauce orchid.

Back when I was a complete newbie to orchids, the Hwra. Lava Burst "Puanani" was my first ever non-phal. And I promptly killed it. But I was enamored with its tiny little blooms and its gorgeous coloring, so a few years later when I found "Pacific Sunrise," online, I had to order it.

It was not in great shape when it came. Its pseudobulbs quickly started rotting, and I had to cut the largest one off to keep it from killing the plant. This left me with the tiniest little assortment of back-bulbs I have ever seen, and the only thing I had small enough to pot it in was...an applesauce cup. I drilled holes in it and potted my little guy up, hoping it would be enough.

Almost exactly three years later, and a few tiny pseudobulbs more, and it just bloomed for me for the first time! I loved seeing these side-by-side photos. I know my plant is still microscopic compared to what it should be (I know this is a miniature, but like, Twinkle sized. Mine is currently Harealla sized). I think I have not been keeping it moist enough. It's in a water-retentive, seedling mixture with moss on top, but that little pot does not hold much water. Still, I am beyond thrilled with the progress, and I can't wait to see it continue to grow!