A survivor: Rlc. Bengal Baby

[StephaneL]

This plant has been giving me all kind of trouble. I burned most of its leaves two years ago (it like less sun than my other cattleyas) and it had a stunted growth last year, but I think I have now figured it out. I sure am glad it survived since its blooms are unique.

[Merita]

This is beautiful! It was worth the effort!

[Fairorchids]

Is this a seed grown plant, or a meristem?
If the latter, what clonal name?

[StephaneL]

It is a seed grown plant from Sunset Valley Orchid (7564, Slc. Jungle Hotspot 'SVO Splash Spots' x Blc. Sun Spots 'Sandy' AM/AOS).

I've seen a few of them online and they are all quite variable:
- On SVO's website;
- On Orchid Roots;
- On Facebook.

[camille1585]

Looks like the effort to figure out this plant paid off, those are nice blooms! Very bright and colorful.

[Louis_W]

To me, your plant is the most striking of all the photos you posted. I really don't know much about judging criteria but if I was comparing yours to the others I'd give it an award!

Congratulations on getting it to grow and bloom!

[Fairorchids]

Originally Posted by StephaneL

It is a seed grown plant from Sunset Valley Orchid (7564, Slc. Jungle Hotspot 'SVO Splash Spots' x Blc. Sun Spots 'Sandy' AM/AOS).

I've seen a few of them online and they are all quite variable:
- On SVO's website;
- On Orchid Roots;
- On Facebook.

I think that yours is the best of the ones shown. It could be interesting to use in breeding, so once it gets large enough to divide, I would be interested in a division.

[StephaneL]

Thank you everyone!

@Louis_W: I have no experience of judging either. I really like the saturation of the colors and the sharpness of the spots in the sepals and the purple segments of the petals. I also like how the petals and the sepals are so different (almost like they are coming from different flowers) which give a very striking effect. However, if I am critical, the flowers are quite crowded and not really flat. Maybe I should give judging a try to see if the judges would evaluate the flowers the same way I do.

@Fairorchids: I'll put you on the list...

[orchidman77]

To me, the absolute contrast between the sepals and petals/lip are showstopping and I could care less about the crowding and shape. you may even find that in future bloomings when the plant is happier, these problems are lessened or disappear altogether!

Stunning. Thanks for sharing!

David

[Louis_W]

Originally Posted by StephaneL

Thank you everyone!

... if I am critical, the flowers are quite crowded and not really flat. Maybe I should give judging a try to see if the judges would evaluate the flowers the same way I do.

@Fairorchids: I'll put you on the list...

I might be wrong but for these multifloral bifoliate cattleya the judging is more focused on flower head arrangement and less focused on flatness and individual presentation. Your plant will probably increase its flower count as it gets larger and perhaps you will start to see the spiral arrangment. Maybe some of the judges on here can tell us if I'm full of it.