C. gaskelliana

[Jeff214]

Cattleya gaskelliana in bloom. Vigorous grower with multiple leads. Spike formed immediately after the p-bulb matured and flowered in about 2 weeks from rapid bud growth. Flower has a rose like fragrance.

The flowers aren't fully opened and facing down. Not sure if that is genetics or due to environmental factors. I do like the 'shy' look on blooms!

[SouthPark]

Looks excellent Jeff! Very nice photos. The lip opened up so nicely. The front-on shots look good already. Most likely environmental factors. But still looks nice and natural and healthy!

Also - if kept in the shade - so that the sun doesn't do some heating of the tepals ------- the 'helping hands' trick --- using helping hands to spread the petals out just a tad (and keeping it in place) ----- then removing the helping hands after a day or so -- could actually work hehe. But that's only optional. No need though. Already looks great ----- as it certainly looks beautiful from your pics.

[DirtyCoconuts]

this is a stunner!!!!

i love the little double fold at the top of the lip

[Jeff214]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

Looks excellent Jeff! Very nice photos. The lip opened up so nicely. The front-on shots look good already. Most likely environmental factors. But still looks nice and natural and healthy!

Thanks! I have this one growing under lights but the light is hanging rather low, close to the plant. Not sure if that influenced the blooms to face a little downwards.

---------- Post added at 09:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:42 AM ----------

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

this is a stunner!!!!

i love the little double fold at the top of the lip

Thanks! I do too.

I'm not too sure about the cleft chin lip at the bottom though, haha. Alot of my cattleya blooms do that so I assume it's environmental...?

[isurus79]

Very nice! First bloom?

[Jeff214]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Very nice! First bloom?

It's the first bloom on this division. Maybe it will open up a little bit better next time!

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Jeff214

It's the first bloom on this division. Maybe it will open up a little bit better next time!

I bet you're right! An even better bloom is on tap for next year.

[Leafmite]

Very nice!

[smweaver]

That's an excellent gaskelliana. The petals are superb.

[My Green Pets]

Big and beautiful and I have heard the fragrance is particularly good on this one. Well done! I am excited for my gaskelliana seedling to reach bloom size.