Cattleya - musings about new blooms

[Fairorchids]

Found quite a few first time bloomers in the greenhouse today.

First up: Rlc. Pauwela Gold (Gorgeous Gold x Williette Wong)
Bought several of these from Exotic Orchids of Maui 1 or 2 years ago. The first to bloom opened 3 weeks ago, with as a huge flower, intense colors, but not great shape. The second was open today, far better shape, but somewhat smaller.

Next: Rlc. Chinese Bronze x C. Katherine Clarkson
Got two of these from SVO in August. Fred described this as a speculative cross. He has posted one photo on his web site, which shows a solid bronze colored flower. In contrast, the first of mine bloomed with a yellow flower with small spots. I am thinking that this might be a usefull flower for further breeding of spotted Catts.

Then: C. Cosmic Delite x Rlc. Louise Clarke
Got several of these from SVO last year. This is a large mini or small compact, and most of the plants display typical coccinea traits ('sloppy' growth habits). However, the first one to bloom is definitely a keeper.

Finally: Rth. Blushing Catherine (Hsinying Catherine x Circle of Life)
Hsinying Catherine was released as a meristem some 5-6 years ago, it is a compact semi-alba. Crossing it with Circle of Life has produced a variety of colors, ranging from pastels to near red. I bought this one on Ebay from the breeder (and got his permission to name it). It is already a 3 lead plant, and it is blooming with 4 flowers on the first spike (only 2 are open yet).