Psychopsis Mendenhall 'Hildos' blooming again

Psychopsis Mendenhall 'Hildos'

     Just less than a month after the last flower wilted, my Psychopsis Mendenhall is once again in bloom.  The flower opened yesterday, and it is 5" in height.

Flower variation between 1st and 2nd bloomings

     Interestingly, both the color and the form have improved the second time around.  This flower is flatter, the lateral sepals are wider, and the orange bars are much more pronounced.

I also took some photos showing the growth progression of the flower bud, with the first picture being taken the same day as when the old flower fell off.

Day 1

Day 18

Day 24

Day 26

Full view (photo taken day 29)

Psychopsis Mendenhall 'Hildos' finishes blooming

Psychopsis Mendenhall 'Hildos'

     The flower lasted about a month.  Since psychopsis are sequential bloomers, there is already a new bud forming.

Psychopsis Mendenhall 'Hildos' flower bud

     I should have the orchid blooming again within the next three weeks.  I'm curious to see how much, if any, variation there would be between the flowers.

Psychopsis Mendehnall 'Hildos' in bud

Psychopsis Mendenhall 'Hildos'

     This orchid has been slowly growing a flower spike since June, when I purchased it. The spike survived two cat attacks, and a bout of root rot.  It is now about 25" tall, and would be even taller if I had it staked upright.  (For purposes of fitting this orchid in my terrarium without scorching the flowers, I am letting the spike curve naturally downward).

Psychopsis flower bud

     The spike has finally stopped growing vertically, and has formed a flower bud. It's about 1/2" long.  Since the flowers can be as big as 4x6", this little bud still has a long time left to grow.