Brazilian Laelia (Cattleya) Bud Watch

[Roberta]

As promised, photo of the show in full glory. On the left a L. purpurata f. vinicolor, a f. flamea x f. striata, a couple of f. schusterianas, and that L. lobata f. alba. There were were a few more that didn't fit, and some other color forms will be blooming soon. The only downside... with all putting on a show at once, it's harder to properly appreciate each one.

[Jeff214]

Wonderful show! I still like the alba lobata best, very graceful blooms.

Do these have similar fragrance or about the same between var/forma ? I had a chance to see my first purpurata blooms last month and the fragrance was amazing!

[Roberta]

Interesting, must be my nose, but I find the fragrance of purpuratas to be very light to almost not there. (Compare with C. labiata which is knocks-your socks-off fragrant) So it may be specific cultivars that are stronger. I just love the floriferousness and colors. I love that lobata, too.

[rbarata]

I wish I could have a growing area just like yours...maybe one day.
My plants are almost all growing unbalanced due to the lateral light source from the windows.

[SouthPark]

Beautiful!!! Beautiful display.

I have one purpurata carnea with a couple of sheaths at the moment. One sheath much older than the other. No spiking activity as yet. Hopefully get some activity soon. I like purpurata flowers a lot.

[Diane56Victor]

Beautiful, makes me want to get some for myself!

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

Beautiful!!! Beautiful display.

I have one purpurata carnea with a couple of sheaths at the moment. One sheath much older than the other. No spiking activity as yet. Hopefully get some activity soon. I like purpurata flowers a lot.

Interesting that L. purpurata is even thinking about blooming this time of year in the southern hemisphere. I'd expect maybe October-ish at the earliest, even allowing for the warmer climate.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Interesting that L. purpurata is even thinking about blooming this time of year in the southern hemisphere. I'd expect maybe October-ish at the earliest, even allowing for the warmer climate.

October bloom would be very nice! The purpurata I'm growing is actively growing at the moment. The newest bulb that is growing is nice, and the sheath is getting to a nice size ----- but this newest sheath is most likely going to be not doing much in terms of spiking activity. The other sheath on the previous bulb has been sitting there for quite a long time now. Many months. Will see what happens! Hopefully some good things. No rush though! All in good time!

[SADE2020]

Originally Posted by Roberta

As promised, photo of the show in full glory. On the left a L. purpurata f. vinicolor, a f. flamea x f. striata, a couple of f. schusterianas, and that L. lobata f. alba. There were were a few more that didn't fit, and some other color forms will be blooming soon. The only downside... with all putting on a show at once, it's harder to properly appreciate each one.

Woow what a beautiful flowers, plats size and everything.

These are in full sun @Roberta?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by SADE2020

These are in full sun @Roberta?

Thanks! I moved them into an area where I could see them better than where I grow them - it is nearly full sun, 45% shade cloth. (My Cymbidium and L. anceps area) They grow with just a little less light - under 60% shadecloth with sun above them essentially the entire day. They hang quite high (so I can walk under them) so that adds to the light that they receive. But for the few weeks that they are in bloom, that amount of extra light won't hurt them.

Also, they experience the full range of weather. In winter it gets quite cool at night (40 deg F/4 deg C, occasionally lower) and they aren't protected from rain. So they are quite robust.

I gently tease Ivan Portilla of Ecuagenera when I see him at shows... he sells L. pupurata plants labeled "Intermediate/Warm" ... I say "Please don't tell MY plants..." They certainly will grow warm (and do it very well, probably prefer it), but clearly don't require it.