Phragmipedium Inca Embers bud opening

[Heather]

I'll let you know what it looks like to me. The bud is very dark. Oh, just looked and it is opening very rapidly so if I can I'll get a pic before I head into work...

[Heather]

just barely opening...and then two just a little bit ago...

[Jmoney]

That looks *very* dark, although the backs of phrag flowers are sometimes darker than the fronts. Is that a division of Pete's?

[Heather]

Yes, it is the division of Pete's. And I cannot tell yet how it compares. It is a very blood red right now...nice huh?

[Paphraguy]

Yes, mine is very dark also and they are always very dark when taken outdoors or grown directly under the HPS system.

[Heather]

Still trying to sell me on the HPS, I know!

[Paphraguy]

Still trying to sell me on the HPS, I know!

Yes, definitely for your plants sakes and they'll thank you for it!

[Heather]

Petals today are as dark as yours, pouch not so much. So, there ya go! Will take pic, but no posting pics until Tues...

[Paphraguy]

The flower on my IE is now much smaller in size than usual like I have mentioned before because the spike is nearing its end. Let me know how big yours gets. I think your spike is close to being done as well. The spikes have been in bloom for a long time and I think your spike is younger than mine.

[Heather]

Okay, here's the bloom fully opened on Sunday. Oh Wow, Pete yours is a lot darker. Mine was in the sun but still.

Question: with these sequential bloomers, what dictates how many blooms will be produced? Is it simply a maturity thing? I ask because my St. Peter is indeed on its last bud and I wonder if I can expect the two new growths to produce more than 6 blooms next year, with the right conditions of course. I am going to miss that one!