The Maxillaria That Could

[Raphael]

I purchased this Maxillaria tenuifolia a few years ago and it has never bloomed for me. I tried everything and back in May, I threw my hands in the air, tossed the plant outside, and told it to fend for itself. I ventured out into the garden today and I couldn't believe my eyes! A gorgeous bloom and many more to come!! It just goes to show that we should never give up on our orchids because they never really give up on us. Sometimes we are simply trying too hard!

[RosieC]

Ooooh, love the colour. Great growing

[Raphael]

Thanks Rosie!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Max tenuifolia seems to do this to everyone doesn't it. This whole difficult to bloom thingy.

I'm still waiting for mine to make a miraculous comeback from damaged roots and start blooming already.

I can remember when I was a rookie with orchids and this happened to be one of the first group of plants I got. Surprisingly it bloomed for me without me knowing diddly squat about it.

Man, I miss that coconut odor and the awesomely unique flowers.

Even though it was a happy accident yours bloomed. Good form and good growing, man! Keep it up.

[Raphael]

Thanks! My plant is quite large and very healthy. It's grown like crazy for me and I've really pampered it (as i do all my orchids). I didn't realize that this guy really needs the intense light to bloom. I threw it outside at the beginning of the summer in full sun and voila!

[Roly0217]

Your bloom looks amazing and you just gave me the answer that I was looking for. I got one of these guys last year in bloom and after that it put new growths and again this year new growths but no blooms. My problem I think; not enough light. That's why I moved it right next to the vandas. We'll see what happens next. Congrats on your blooms !!!!!

[Raphael]

Thanks Rolando. I just remembered that a friend of mine in Miami has his in full sun and it's a beauty!