Haraella retrocalla (Project 8 - Spring 2009)

[whygreenberg]

Yay, Camille!! So happy it bloomed for you and at least you got to enjoy it before packing it up for the trip. I really like the fragrance, so also excited you got to experience that!

[quiltergal]

Nice job Camille! It's really interesting how different all of the "faces" look on the lip. I wonder if it changes from bloom to bloom on the same plant.

Here's an updated pic of mine. I have a ball! Two spikes growing.

[nenella]

Congratulations Camille on getting it to flower! and very nice photo! Out of curiosity how are you planning to 'pack' it & carry it?

[nenella]

Terri ....
It won't be long before it opens! I look forward to seeing your pics & see what kind of 'mask' your flower has?!

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by nenella

Congratulations Camille on getting it to flower! and very nice photo! Out of curiosity how are you planning to 'pack' it & carry it?

Took me a while to figure it out! Since the bloom hangs over the edge, I repotted to get the bloom more in the pot, and taped a packing peanut on the lip of the pot to make a ledge for the bloom to rest on. Then I wrapped it in paper, and and filled empty space between top of plant and the paper with shredded TP. The package went into a box with other orchids, then into the suitcase! Took me 4 hours to pack 40 orchids. I hope they like the TGV!

[susiep]

I finally have a couple of bloom spikes, but they are growing soooooo sloooooow. At this rate, it will be months before I see any flowers!

[nenella]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Took me a while to figure it out! Since the bloom hangs over the edge, I repotted to get the bloom more in the pot, and taped a packing peanut on the lip of the pot to make a ledge for the bloom to rest on. Then I wrapped it in paper, and and filled empty space between top of plant and the paper with shredded TP. The package went into a box with other orchids, then into the suitcase! Took me 4 hours to pack 40 orchids. I hope they like the TGV!

I can believe that! traveling by high speed train with orchids is cool! @ least you look after your own baggage - not like other transport who toss your box/bag whatever around!plus it's really fast! Your orchids will not bat an eyelid I'm sure!

[nenella]

Originally Posted by susiep

I finally have a couple of bloom spikes, but they are growing soooooo sloooooow. At this rate, it will be months before I see any flowers!

They may be slow now but you'll be surprised at how fast the 'ball' grows once it starts! it's not THAT ..slow!
I don't know your growing conditions but an idea.. If you want to "speed it up' Could be to increase the light as from what everyones said on this thread they do not mind being in sunier conditions? They seem to like it.. ?

[susiep]

Ok, thanks! I was wondering about that. It is worth a try!

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by susiep

I finally have a couple of bloom spikes, but they are growing soooooo sloooooow. At this rate, it will be months before I see any flowers!

Hey Susie, It looks like we are in the same boat. I have now 2 little spikes and the first one has been sitting there for awhile I see a tiny bit of growth but what she's gonna do. Maybe we can have contest of our own. Who's going to bloom first I'll post a picture tomorrow.