Promzella Sunlight

[Dorsetman]

Promeneas are in the Zygopetalum group, and it seems , just as odd when it comes to hybridising. You can cross a plant with anything you like, and 99.99% of the time the progeny looks just like the one parent. That is true of Zygopetalum mackayii for example, and Promenea xanthina tioo.
The other parent here, apart from Prom. xanthina, is Cochleanes amazonica, aka Warczewiczella amazonica - thats where the zella comes from in the name.,

I expect my greenhouse will be too warm for it, but I shall have to turn the 'stat down a couple of degrees because of the way gas prices are escalating through the roof, here in Europe, so maybe, just maybe, I shall be able to keep it happy. Has to be worth a try I think.

Margaret Webb from a nursery not a million miles from Chicago used to grow these things very well, and told me they hate having dry roots, but hate having wet leaves. I shall use sphagnum moss in a net pot, and water by gentle immersion. I had one like that 20 years ago, and can't remember how I killed it, but it did flourish for a time, and at its best looked a bit like this - I expect that is what tempted me.

BTW the flowers are about 4 cm acvross.

[panam]

Wow - They're gorgeous!

[pavel]

Beautiful! Would never have expected Coch. amazonica to be one of the parents -- absolutely no sign of it anywhere.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Gosh - what a stunning orchid!! Bravo.

cheers,
BD

[mauraec]

You're back!!! How are the eyes??? It appears to me that the quality of these photos indicates a successful outcome, to say the least!

I astonished myself by seeing the Zygo traits in this fascinating hybrid, the name of which offers a rare opportunity to the boys at Kew. Promzella??!?!?! In the States, May is overwhelmingly overrun with that phenomenon known as the "High School Prom" - no doubt taken from your ritual of "promenading" in places such as Bath. We have, however, shortened it to "Prom" and Promzella carries the distinct threat of a very bad horror movie.

What a terrible name for such a beautiful orchid! The blooms, and your photos of them, are, as always, superb. I do hope you are feeling better.

[gardenguysorchids]

I really love these. Yours is exceptional with the color and form of the blooms. I have had a 'lime light' for several years which always gave me a nice bloom in June and a gauranteed win on the society show table. Unfortunately it started on a decline a few months back even though nothing had been changed as far as it's care. I suppose it is just one of those exasperating quirks we all experience with our orchids. I definately need to look for another one or two. Yours is definately a contender as a replacement. Am still hoping that my old one will pull through. The bulbs are still firm and green but the leaves keep dropping. I grow it cool and keep it moist so go figure. Thanks for sharing yours. It is lovely.

[Cjcorner]

Gorgeous flowers, I can see what tempted you to try one again.

[catttan]

Very beautiful. Lovely colour and form.

[angela]

happy to see you back again Geoff.
These blooms are beautiful and the way you display the plant in that dark bowl makes them even more outstanding. LOL I have never heard of this Genus before, so thanks for introducing me.

[angel]

what a delightful color! It's so cheerful!