New Cattleya?

[Purpoh]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143625...posted-public/

This is an orchid I bought from a local hybridizer in my area for ten dollars. The stem + leaves is about two feet tall. He lost the tag and we aren't sure what it is other than a Cattleya hybrid. Does anyone have any ideas? Also there is silica dioxide all of the leaves from our water and nothing gets them off (I've tried lemon juice, mayo, and milk). Does anyone have some tips?

[Orchid Whisperer]

There is no way to ID it based on the photo. NOID Cattleya may be the best ID you will get.

Regarding the silica, if that is what the mineral substance is, don't worry about it. New leaves will develop and will not have the mineral deposits.

[Purpoh]

Alright, thank you
I just don't like the looks of the minerals. I suppose they will have to stay.

[PaphMadMan]

The plant form, long straight narrow leaves, tall fairly thin pseudobulbs, is pretty characteristic of the large "Brazilian Laelia" group now reclassified as Cattleya - purpurata, tenebrosa, perrinii, lobata, etc. So much so that I'd really expect a species of that group rather than a hybrid. Possibly a hybrid within that group or mostly within it. Until it flowers it won't be possible to know. Even then, unless it does happen to be a species a precise ID is unlikely.

Mineral deposits on leaves are usually calcium or magnesium compounds rather than silica. Calcium or magnesium carbonate will come off with mild acid, dilute white vinegar is usually as safe and effective as anything. If it does happen to be silica or any other compound besides those carbonates there isn't much that will be very effective without harming the plant or you. Mayo or milk is most likely to just gloss over it with a slight layer of fat, it might improve the appearance, but yuck...