C. iricolor surprise bloom

[Subrosa]

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!

[bethmarie]

Can't wait to see more pictures!

[Subrosa]

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.

[bethmarie]

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!

[Subrosa]

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.

[Subrosa]

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!

[No-Pro-mwa]

Very cool looking blooms