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).

[SouthPark]

All very beautiful Kim.

I have always wanted to say the likes of which has never been seen before.

This has given me a nice opportunity to say it. Thanks Kim!

[DirtyCoconuts]

Oooh too tough to pic a favorite but very nice all around.

What are the overall sizes of the plant (trying to predict long term, not a science) relative to the new growths? Are they getting bigger by a small amount or doubling in size?

Thanks and thanks for sharing the pics and the effort

[sam1147]

All very nice

[Fairorchids]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

Oooh too tough to pic a favorite but very nice all around.

What are the overall sizes of the plant (trying to predict long term, not a science) relative to the new growths? Are they getting bigger by a small amount or doubling in size?

Thanks and thanks for sharing the pics and the effort

The two Pauwela Gold are both small size standards. Being first time bloomers, plants will likely increase a bit in size.

The (Chinese Bronze x Katherine Clarkson) is a smallish bifoliate, with most recent PB about 7" tall. Again, I would expect it to grow somewhat larger.

The red Catt is heavily influenced by coccinea. PBs are about 3" tall, with a 4-5" leaf, but they are literally falling all over themselves. I have to stake the PBs when they bloom, as they otherwise twist and fall over sideways.

The aussie Den is compact, with 6-7" canes. It will probably grow slightly taller.

Best,

[Orchid-Obsessed]

Very beautiful displays of blossoms in a lot of the postings from last month and this month....
...mine aren’t doing anything: Cymbidium Maureen Green, Myrmecatavola Frances Fox and Brassavola Little Stars (yet).