Miltonia Saint Helier 'Red Jewel'

[EMos]

I purchased this orchid two years ago while it was in bud, it didn't flower last year, but is blooming this year with four flowers.
The size of the flowers look bigger than the first time it bloomed, and the colour is more intense as well.

It's quite hard to get a true representation of the flower, as it has a velvety substance, so I've tried one with a black background, and one against a pale background. Not sure which is better though the colour appears more intense against the black background.



Two of the flowers are a bit distorted, and that was more noticeable while they were unfurling, not sure what's the cause...

[Alplily NH]

Very pretty -- these are so rewarding when they bloom!

[smwboxer]

Very pretty, any fragrance?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

That is grand! I too like the black background. It gives a nice contrast to the white edging around the bloom. I love the final photo in the set of three in your post. It is like a post card or poster. Perfect composition and balance.

Cheers,
BD

[Lizgeo]

Very nice!

[gardenguysorchids]

Love these! Your Photos are great! I bought one last year in bloom and was really pleased with how long the blooms last. My plant is really growing well. I just hope that I am doing what is needed for it to rebloom. I was under the impression that these were Spring bloomers. Good growing! Bill OOPS! Just remembered this is your Spring.

[margo]

Beautiful! Love the color! Excellent pictures too!

[EMos]

Thanks everyone for your comments:
@Julie indeed it is so rewarding, the more so it didn't bloom last year

@smwboxer, ummh...I think no fragrance at all...and the fact that I have a blocked nose at the moment doesn't really help

@ Bruce, Thanks for your appreciation, that's probably why I decided to post that picture, I didn't like the distorted lip on the flowers, but I think you're right with the composition and balance

@Bill, I know it's so confusing at times cause we are really on the other side of the globe! I've given my Miltonia a lot of light this year, very close to the window until the leaves get that silvery, greyish green colour. I hope that works for you too.

Cheers
Eric