After buying a large Optimara "My Love" from Pikes at the end of July (with some blooms on)...the plant went through quite the ride in my house, especially after being re-potted in lighter medium. The leaves from the first row (the largest) started turning limp at about the rate of one per day...until most of them were gone.

I was pretty sure the whole plant was a goner by now ..but it looks like leaves finally stopped turning limp.

The plant is smaller now with the first row of large leaves gone, and there are three bloom stems coming up! :-)

I am quite happy and I hope its condition is finally stable...though I still wish the crown came out a bit larger and more relaxed.

Center leaves are still on the tight, brittle and curly side and I am not sure what to do about that. (There are no pests involved). I closed the shutters next to the stand so it will get more filtered light (it was probably getting a bit more direct sun than it's considered orthodox) and I took a break from fertilizer - though I just re-introduced it at a very diluted rate, because the plant is blooming.

If you have any extra tips to keep it thriving and maximize bloom in the future, I would appreciate it - because I really love the striking look of "My Love". Almost has a chimera effect!

Mainly I just wanted to bring an update and show off the buds. I would love to update when the blooms are in. :-)