Odbrs. Fangtastic Bob Henley 'HOF' #4

[MattWoelfsen]

Four years ago, I bought this plant from Hausermann Orchids, Villa Park, Illinois. This was the first orchid plant I paid full price, it wasn't a rescue, and it isn't a Phalaenopsis. Of course, I grew it like a Phalaenopsis. Needless to say, it did not flourish. In fact, it sort of remained in one very large pot. This year in April, I decided to repot the plant into another pot, new media, watered and fed regularly, plenty of fresh air and bright shady light.

Due to my preoccupation with Neofinetia falcata, I've let this plant and other orchids do their own thing all summer long. This week I have started migrating all of these plants to their winter homes inside the house. Imagine my surprise when I came across this plant with its flower spike,

Here is a picture of this Odbrs. Fangtastic Bob Henley and my Neofinetia falcata Nishidemiyako 西出都 "West Side of Kyoto". I can't wait to see the flowers these two plants produce when they bloom.

[WhiteRabbit]

Awesome!

[MattWoelfsen]

And now an update. This plant has 13 blooms. The older flowers (closer to the plant) are about 8" from petal tip to sepal tip. I can detect a very light orchid scent, especially when I have the ceiling fan circulating.

[MattWoelfsen]

Here is a close up of the flower.

[ron-in-norcal]

Excellent!

[NYCorchidman]

I had Fangtastic Bob Henley before. It got huge!!!
Huge flowers with subtle fragrance.

[Optimist]

I personally think that orchids thrive on a little neglect. Brassia forms (odbrs & such) are my favorites-- I love the spider orchids. Love the flowers. I once had a Kevin Bivens (sp?) that looked a bit like that. My goal is to get another if I can find one of good quality.

[MattWoelfsen]

Thank you all for your comments. This morning, I found the oldest flower closest to the stem had turned red. I guess it is time for these flowers to go away. For some reason, I actually got bummed-out to see that. But I also have twelve other flowers that are still as bright and cheerful as ever.

[NYCorchidman]

I love brassia and its hybrid, but I just wish I had greenhouse. They just get too big for me.

I had a few brassidiums (probably old name, but) and they grow well and flower well, and when in bloom, it is such a show!

I now have just one. Witch Doctor something. It has the same great large spidery flowers on long spike, but the plant leaves stay rather erect, so it doesn't take up as much space.
It always flower in the summer, but this time, with the rate the new growths are maturing, I think I may see the flowers in the spring. yay!!!

[MattWoelfsen]

NYC, please be sure to post a picture when this happens!