This plant has been continously blooming for over 3 years now and still producing more buds. The largest flowers have been 10-12 inches across and they are normally about 8 inches or so. This species grows very fast and gets big very quickly. If you want a slipper that is always in bloom, this is the one to get but you do need the space and fortunately there are dwarf varieties available if you're space limited. Here is a photo I took today, thanks for looking!
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze6o1l1/l1.jpg

STUNNING :clap: :clap: :clap: That is fantastic...wish mine looked like that...

Do the new buds appear on the old spikes or does it push out new ones?

Thanks, Gideon! The species, longifolium is a sequential bloomer so the same spikes keep producing more buds one after the other and sometimes, the spikes will carry 2 flowers at the same time. This plant also gets huge very quickly and mine is about 40+" across!

Oooo, I want one! :poke: What kind of culture do you give yours? It is obviously really happy!

I have a piece of this plant and it is truly, a weed.
Nice shot there Pete.

Thanks for the info Peter, now I really can't wait for mine to bloom.

Teresa,

I grow mine with lots of bright light from a SE facing office window, warm temps, moisture and air flow. In the summer, it goes outside for about 2 months where it gets direct sunlight. I can't believe it is still blooming for over 3 years. I find this plant very easy to grow and it grows like a weed. If you have the space, then definitely get one but beware you may get tired of looking at the flowers every single day. :lol:

but beware you may get tired of looking at the flowers every single day. :lol:

I always think the spikes on these sequentials do get a little messy looking over time, but the blooms make up for it! :D

Heather, how is your div doing? Has it grown any bigger? Any signs of spiking yet?

Didn't I send you a pic about a week ago when I repotted everything? Has four new growths, tons of roots. Needs more sun than it's getting right at this moment, I need to move it upstairs.
Speaking of that, I just unpotted the Inca this morning and it is looking good. My last paph that was initially potted in pure bark!

Nope, you didn't send me a pic of the longifolium a week ago. I'll have to double check to see, maybe I forgot. Yes, longifoliums love very bright light to bloom properly to their full potential.

Yeah, I've got to move it. Oh, you know, there's a pic in the killifish thread, of all places, if you want to see it. It's a pretty plant, even moreso now that it's in a square pot! http://www.slipperorchidforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=29796#29796
It was getting a lot of light there, but now the sun's moved.

I just checked my email box and yes, you did send me a pic of the longi, cari and Grande. I forgot all about those pics. They look great.

Fascinating plant - blooming continuously for three years! It must really love your conditions.
Thanks for sharing Peter.

Mang

Yup I would be sick of it also.... :poke: Nice!

Have you had to repot while it was blooming?

Have you had to repot while it was blooming?

Not only did I repot while it was still in bloom but also divided the plant and sent the div to Heather. This is one strong and vigorous plant, nothing ever seems to slow it down. I bought this plant from Parkside about 4 years ago and they still have it listed if any of you are interested in getting a blooming size longifolium. :D

Don't think I have the room for that -- yet.

My dad has a Sgt. Eric that won't quit blooming - he bought if from Orchids by the Ackers. It is blooming on a spike that is well over 5 feet, and now has 2 new spikes starting. We were there last weekend and Stan told him to wait until March to repot it. Though I did notice they were dividing one that was spiking....

3 Years!!!???? right now I'd settle for one week :)

Cheers
Stephan

Peter

How can one get sick of looking at something so beautiful? I have a Mary Bess which has been in bloom since April and I enjoy it as much now as I did the first day. I even bought another one which I was told would be a darker color. Hope the dealer was right.

My brother was here yesterday and said "Sis, you need to start selling some of these". I told him his Grandchildren are multiplying like rabbits. Would you consider selling any of them?

Grandma

very nice photo of a beautiful flower :clap: