C. Secret Love - though I don’t think so - Orchid Board

ArronOB · #1 07-18-2019, 06:27 AM

I bought this as a ‘bag baby’ labelled Lc Secret Love. Mericlone.

It doesn’t look like any Secret Love that I can google.

This is its second flowering - first was a spike of 2 buds which was nibbled off by a slug or something.

I know all mericlones vary slightly, and repeats of a Grex can be quite dissimilar, but I think this is a mislabelling? Opinions?

SouthPark · #2 07-18-2019, 06:43 AM

That flower photo is worth sharing Arron. That's a nice one.

As for the grex Secret Love ..... if it didn't come with a cultivar name or clonal name, then it's hard to say if it is from that grex.

On the other hand ..... if you go to this link here ... CLICK HERE

And then if you click on the Candy Tuft photo, followed by focusing on C. Dubiosa ...... then that might lead us to sway in one direction. May be some touches of resemblances.

ArronOB · #3 07-18-2019, 06:20 PM

Could be.

Incidentally, this was one of those Bunnings Polypack orchids - bought about three years ago. I buy a lot of them. They are from a company called Paradisea Nurseries, who are generally very meticulous. The plants are excellent too, or at least they are when they first arrive although they go downhill fairly quickly sitting in Bunnings.

SouthPark · #4 07-18-2019, 06:43 PM

I have certainly noticed that at Bunnings. It's pretty much plant abuse. There was even one time when some orchids, including catts were in such bad shape ------ really bad shape, as in near or around or past the points of unrecoverable --- that I was going to take some phone-pics of those plants (with Bunnings store background to be included). It would be evidence of sheer lack of care of orchids. I was thinking of how those gardening staff etc at Bunnings would like it if they were totally deprived of water and food. Totally deprived of it. They should cop a bit of their own medicine.

ArronOB · #5 07-18-2019, 11:17 PM

As they are sealed, there isn’t much the Bunnings staff can do. The marketing philosophy is to ship them out in May, sealed up and able to remain in good shape for a month or two. What sells, sells, and the rest are scrapped, which is more profitable then having Bunnings staff frig around trying to keep orchids alive - a task that doesn’t fit in with the big box store mentality.

If bought when they first arrive, they are excellent plants and I usually buy 15-20 per year. They are tiny but I have lots of patience.

I know it’s wierd, but I don’t like buying mature or near-flowering plants. I feel I’ve contributed nothing to their growth or flowering - so no achievement dividend.

Roberta · #6 07-18-2019, 11:43 PM

Orchidwiz has a bunch of photos of Ctt. Secret Love... none quite have the coloration of this one, but there is a range from very pale yellow-peach, to pale pink to dark pink/lavender. Also, how long has it been open? If there is yellow in its genetics (and that very pale one suggests that there is) the pink pigment may develop over a week or so. (I have seen that in Catts and Paphs)

SouthPark · #7 07-18-2019, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArronOB

As they are sealed, there isn’t much the Bunnings staff can do.

Oh.... those ones! Understandable. Still cruel I must say - if they are just left in their tubes for ages like that. The case I described before were potted ones. The degradation of the plants was brow-raising that's for sure.

I have some baby orchids too. A mix of juveniles and mature plants. I don't mind getting some juvenile plants ----- as there is a nice satisfaction of seeing them develop to the big size. Although, naturally --- I think about the time it will take for small orchids to develop to flowering size. 5 or 6 years here, and 5 or 6 years there .... definitely adds up hahaha.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArronOB

I know it’s wierd, but I don’t like buying mature or near-flowering plants. I feel I’ve contributed nothing to their growth or flowering - so no achievement dividend.

Not weird mate! A good and dedicated grower!

ArronOB · #8 07-19-2019, 05:17 AM

Been open about a week, Roberta.

Roberta · #9 07-19-2019, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArronOB

Been open about a week, Roberta.

The color is probably through developing, then. It's still possible that it is what it says it is... not really important unless you were to breed with it. Enjoy a nice flower!

SouthPark · #10 07-19-2019, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArronOB

IThey are from a company called Paradisea Nurseries, who are generally very meticulous.

The nice thing in this case - unlike lots of other cases - is at least there is some traceability here. If that nursery is still around, then there could be chances for sending them photos and see if it's possible to probe the situation.