I have never seen one bloom, so am looking forward to that, Jim.

This is what they are supposed to look like.

Being a Schomburgkia fan, I love it! Can't wait to see your blooms.

Jim

I saw more buds popping out today, but I couldn't reach from my crutches to get the names. I'm busy getting ready for the Springfield, MO show. The theme is Symphony of Orchids, which is great since I have a degree in music. I have tons of music type stuff to use for props. Our exhibit is going to look great. I'm getting excited.

The Music part sounds lovely and intriguing! What pieces are you using?

I have two of my First Ladies budding and starting to open.

LC Jacqueline Kennedy 'Jilltara'

LC Eleanor Roosevelt '15'

Bert, do you collect "First Lady" orchids?

Ken, yes I do. Hard to get them now. The Laura Bush ones from Hawaii did not survive for me last year and I lost my big Betty Ford over winter from black rot, so I need to replace them.

Bert, what prevents black rot from occurring? I have never had a "First Lady" edition orchid (is that the right term?) and don't think I have seen but one for sell from the wholesaler. I think it was one of the Laura Bush varieties though.

Chadwick' is the only one, but occasionally one comes up on ebay. I got Laura Bush from Carmela's and Betty Ford from Hausermans and they still have some.

I buy from Carmela Orchids, only plugs and flasks, so that is probably where I saw that Laura Bush. Hauserman is too expensive.

Ken, I'm not Roberta but Black Rot (Pythium ultimum and Phytophthora cactorum) can invade mature plants (especially Cattleyas) at any plant part. The fungus can be introduced through unsterile pots, media or water sources. Water splash from adjacent infected plants will spread the disease too. Black lesions on roots, stems or leaves are a sign of the disease. The spots may expand and, if they reach the crown, the plant will die. Avoid the use of unsterile media, pots and tools. Do not use pond water. Do not set potted plants directly on soil, only on solid surfaces. Segregate infected plants to avoid splash contamination. Minimize leaf wetness. Do not allow a lesion to reach the crown. Use fungicides like Truban or Terrazole as a drench, and follow up with a good systemic fungicide like Subdue.

Jim

Again, I will make a note of all this. I have never lost a plant to this rot, at least I don't think I have, but I did have two new leads on one of my Bulb. rothschildianum (mounted on cork), seemingly overnight, turn black at the growing tips. I assume that's what caused it. I don't know why though. I removed those two tips and the plant seems fine otherwise.

Ursula, it is a secret. I'm hoping that I can hook up my iPhone to play a symphony during the exhibit, but I have to check. Not sure if it is legal in the rules.

I seem to remember hearing Puccini as a background to Waldor Orchids display some years ago.

Waiting patiently for Phal Baldan's Kaleidoscope:

Been able to unstuck the bud on my Odtn. Papageno 'Lavender Lady' two days ago..a gentle tug did it

Slowly unfurling now!

Kind of like a midwife, huh?

You know, my Phrag Allison Strohm did something similarly recently. This one has normally a really nice big reddish bloom, but this year it came up without a long stem and opened up poorly right down between the large leaves. Not good!

Yeah, this bloom grew weird, so tempting to cut the leaf, but I saw there is space for the bud to release itself, just weak energy for it I guess. Glad to know I am not alone in getting these weird blooming stages.