A new addition.

[ALJ]

I'm trying REALLY hard to discipline myself. This is orchid show season and I am tempted to spend, spend, spend! I've been good and haven't purchased an orchid since December. Last week I was sent an Iwanagara Apple Blossom. (Okay so I asked for it.) It's petite and I can't wait for it to bloom!!

[patticake]

Should be a nice one! The clonal name 'Mendenhall' is a name that Carter & Holmes uses on its' plants. I can't wait to see it in bloom! I've seen a few of these-Iwanagara Apple Blossom- and they're each a little different. I can't wait to see 'Mendenhall'!

[ALJ]

Yup, that's where it came from. It should bloom in another year or so. I'm not sure what it looks like as it goes through its blooming stage. Since it is apart of the Cattleya alliance, I'm sure it grows from a sheath. Will the plant get any bigger than this is my question. Are they generally this small or should I be prepared to grow it in a bigger pot down the line? Can anyone describe their experience with this 'chid?

[Brooke]

I don't know the 'Mendenhall' clone but this is a very large catt when mature. To give you an idea of my plants size, it is in the largest s/h container they make.

It does grow a sheath but when the spikes come out of the sheath they are "different". The spike keeps growing and the buds remain very tight for a long time. The blooms don't open all at once but are staggered. It blooms for a l-o-n-g time. My spikes have been out of the sheath for a long time but isn't even close to blooming.

Great buy, you will enjoy it

Brooke

[ALJ]

Long lasting blooms sounds great. Now when you say large catt, are we talking cymbidium large, dendrobium (tall) sized or something entirely different. I just want to make sure I have enough room on my shelf.

[Brooke]

I am referencing the size of the plant to your useage of the word "petite". It is not a petite plant when mature.

I can measure my plant later but from the bottom of the container to the top of the still growing spikes, I would guess 2 1/2 feet

Brooke

[ALJ]

Whoa!!! I need another shelf!!!

[Brooke]

I was off by 1 1/2". From the bottom of the 7" tall container to the top of the still growing spikes, it is 2' 4 1/2".

But it will be worth a new shelf

Brooke

[myorchid]

I have the Iwanagara Apple Blossom, yellow. I got it from Jerry and it is small. It had a spike with very tight buds and just 5 days ago started to open up. The first two are almost open. It is a beautiful yellow color.

I will try to post a pic when I get home.

[lmartiny]

Its always fun to get a new orchid.

[myorchid]

My Apple Blossom

I love the color! The pic is a little blurry, but I think you can still see the color.

[ALJ]

The blooms are pretty. They look fairly large for a plant that small. I can't wait for mine to begin blooming, but I have about a year before that happens. myorchid and Brooke, do you grow yours indoors w/lights or outdoors or both?

[myorchid]

I grow mine in a west facing window with additional light during the winter. I grow in bark.

[Brooke]

I grow in a g/h.

Brooke

[trinigirl]

That's a pretty one.

[ALJ]

When watering I tend to get some water in between the leaves, down in the pb. Even when I'm careful. Is this considered the "crown" of the plant and can this cause rot just like in a phal? How can I keep water out?