Maxillaria tenuifolia in Bloom

[gardenguysorchids]

I have had this one for 4 years. It has developed in to a nice sized plant since I bought it but has always disappointed me with the number of blooms it produced. Usually just one to three at the most. This year if has given me 10 with more buds forming. I think I have found the secret with this guy. Lots of light even a little more than cats and giving it less water in the winter than normal. Holding back on the water is the only cultural change I made and I am attributing the bloom increase to that. Next year I will try lessening the water earlier - late autumn - and see if I get even heavier bloom. I find this one hard to photograph due to the foliage being so full and the flowers being so small and hidden among it. I didn't realize that it was in bloom until I caught the scent of coconut when I was watering this morning.

[Katherine]

Congrats! Very nice!

[Ron-NY]

very nice Bill! It might bloom heavier if you can increase the light level.

[123orchids]

Wow, what a specimen. I have this one too but is still a baby against yours. Great growing.

[stateless]

I have slowly moved mine to the lower end of my vanda level for light and it loves, it popping out blooms everywhere. You've grown a very nice plant, good going, enjoy the scent and have a pina colada

[mauraec]

I love M. tenuifolias - and I think you're right that it's hard to see the blooms, even when there are quite a few. Phillip had one and our whole apartment smelled like the tropics when it was blooming. I figure that, even with less-than-eye-catching flowers, the more you have, the better the scent. Take it inside every once in awhile to really get the impact.

[zainal abidin]

Love the smell.

[tradceci]

I bought one on my orchid shopping trip with Maura when she was in Puerto Rico. It is growing very well, but not blooming size yet. Can't wait! Bill, in what kind of medium is it potted?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Congratulations Bill. Lovely Maxillaria tenuifolia. I just love the fragrance from those blooms. I hope ours here blooms soon.

cheers,
BD

[gardenguysorchids]

I bought one on my orchid shopping trip with Maura when she was in Puerto Rico. It is growing very well, but not blooming size yet. Can't wait! Bill, in what kind of medium is it potted?

I have it planted in regular bark mix.