Wrong ID Cattleya

[Roberta]

If Gubler says that the label is probably correct based on their records, but admit that it could be a relative, I'd believe that they have given as much information as they can.(They are also at the mercy of THEIR suppliers... they buy seedlings and grow them up so mis-labeling can occur at quite a few points) While a mericlone is supposedly an exact genetic copy, mutations do occur during the process. And I agree with all those who noted that temperature can make a big difference. Also light... Big box stores don't necessarily have the best conditions, and it was shipped. (Could have been in a warehouse or a truck for awhile) So it will be an adventure to see what it does with the next blooming. It could surprise you.

[nobile7]

Originally Posted by Orchidtinkerer

I have seen some startling differences in color due to temp, so much so you would not know it was the same flower so this must be one of them and colder nights on the next flowering might create a deeper red.

First blooms are generally not as well colored as subsequent blooms. The shape looks to be accurate even if that means little. Try sticking it outside (as long as its not under 50F) at night for next flowering and see if that makes a difference.

Ps: can I ask if it has a fragrance?

Thanks for your thoughts. It’s actually around 55F at night where it is now, and there is another budded sheath yet to push out. Let’s see...

This orchid is indeed growing on me because of its elegance and autumnal shade. The fragrance is an exotic musk, but not yet intense.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by nobile7

The tag says Rlc. Village Chief Armani 'Red Dragon,' but the flower looks nothing like it.]

True. Based on the appearance, it really does look like this one being 'Red Dragon' has a very low chance. The tag is very likely to be wrong.

The flower in your pic is so nice!!! I would definitely keep that one.

[nobile7]

Hi everyone, this orchid has opened a second bud and have colored up so beautifully. The deep musk scent has become a gentle sweet fragrance. Even if this has been mislabeled, what a mesmerizingly beautiful surprise.

[Roberta]

Definitely a keeper! That soft salmon color is lovely - and, there's nothing quite like a floofy, fragrant Catt! And that gorgeous lip shows that it has a lot of C. dowiana in its ancestry. (Which it would have in common with Village Chief Armani, so they're cousins at least) It will, of course, also be exciting to see if the color is any different at the the next bloom cycle after it has been under YOUR care for a year or so!