Renanthera storeii - a welcome back plant.

[Dorsetman]

A few years ago, maybe 4 or 5, I had an overheating problem - 44˚C in the greenhouse when I eventually went in after a few weeks absence.Of course a lot of plants were damaged beyond repair. My Rennies - I have upwards of a dozen, didn't look very happy, but had not burnt or dropped leaves. Must be tough old birds, these.Of course they grow at the side of the road in full sun, so I believe, in their native habitats - but at least the wind blows through them then. Anyway. I kept them, watered them, sprayed them, etc etc. For year after year . I don';t think any of them even grew a leaf for a couple of years, but with their habit, its not very obvious when they are growing.
But this year, three spikes started, one on each of three plants ( I have never double spiked one). And here one is. Maybe there a few less flowers than at the best, maybe slightly smaller - 2 inches high instead of 2 ½ . Maybe. But anyway , welcome back.
When back to normal, they make about 5 pairs of new leaves a year , and flower on every-other pair. So 5 flowerings in 2 years. Long lasting, too.
I don't know why they are not grown more widely. They do brighten up a display, and if whoever is arranging plants in a Society display has the wit to put these over a batch off white phallies - the combination is just stunning. So, welcome back !

btw, those patches of orange - not actually there ; I was fiddling with photoshop trying to get nearer to the stunning dark red solid colour, and got this ; and no time to get back to square one.

[Sheryl]

Wow! They are troopers! And the flowers are beautiful! Still waiting on mine to bloom. One day . . . .

[zainal abidin]

Wow that is one of the best display lovely red color.

[JDT]

You did a great job on healing them I am sure next years growth and bloom will be back to normal.

[orchidlady]

Renantheras have such gorgeous color.


Susan