Say It Ain't So!!!

[DebsC]

In this months edition of the AOS magazine, Orchids, an article by Tom Etheridge entitled "FCCs of 2006" shows only one big, floofy, fat cattleya and one species catt.

He states that the big, fancy catts enjoyed much popularity for many years but have recently fallen out of favor somewhat.

I too, have noticed the big catts aren't advertised as much in recent years and it seems a smaller variety is available.

But they are my true love and passion in life!!! I hate to think they are losing their thrill to some hobbyist.

Do you think this is true? Are they becoming less popular?

[Phantasm]

I agree with Tom that the large cattleya types have fallen into disfavor these days. This is not related to their beauty or difficulties to grow and bloom, but basically two factors.

The first is that many of the traditional large cattleya breeders don't exist anymore, and it's truly a shame that we have lost companies like Stewarts and others.

The second is that many growers simply don't have the room or want to make the room for large plants. The minicatt craze seems to have filled the requirement for compact cattleya alliance hybrids. This works better for windowsill and indoor light gardens.

I have a decent sized greenhouse, but only a few standard cattleyas due to the reasons listed above. Hopefully, growers will continue keep these plants in the future as many of them are true gems, and basically heirlooms.

[cb977]

I agree...I think space is a factor in today's orchid collecting world. I've also noticed that as orchid-growers progress, we seem to go through phases in choosing what our "favorites" are

Mine? ALL of them!!!

[Ross]

I also agree. I have very limited space but I want to own every orchid I see! So I try to limit my choices to small-growing plants. I recently took a liking to Tolumnia for that reason. But I still buy the occassional Bllra. or Vuyl. plants for their colors. Can't resist.

[OrchidTess]

They are declining and it's a shame. I love the floofy catts. There is so much history behind them. I have several of them crowding my small greenhouse because nothing is more beautiful to me than a big catt, with a big flower, with a big fragrance.

[Gin]

Gimmie a big floofy Catt. with a big scent Gin

[Lagoon]

I like catts even have some. But gotta save room for slippers - large Catts are getting the boot. Too big, no room

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Lagoon

I like catts even have some. But gotta save room for slippers - large Catts are getting the boot. Too big, no room

Did I give you my address yet?

[Ross]

I'm closer

[Lagoon]

Ha ha ha too bad you guys are sooo far, I'd drive them over