Suggest a mini-cat for me

[Roberta]

Also consider Diamond Orchids Peter T. Lin specializes in mini-Catts.

[RJSquirrel]

might like the variety Lana Coryell offers.

Cattleya Lana Coryell



Or the shape of a Barbara Tague. (blooms forthcoming from RJ's Garden soon.)

Cattleya Barbara Tague

I think they would do well in a warm window that gets about 60% shaded/bright filtered light.

[PuiPuiMolcar]

Originally Posted by rbarata

I don't know your conditions but have you considered rupiculous?

I was gonna say this, and Alaorii and its hybrids are cute as buttons. Mine is about to bloom and I cant wait.
Browsing SVO compact/mini catt section is another way for you choose.

[Roberta]

The mini-Catts from Sunset Valley Orchids are specifically bred for windowsill growing. Typically 6 inches or less for the plant, flowers 2-3 inches or more, many bloom twice a year or more and wonderful colors, very forgiving of less-than-ideal conditions. What's not to love?? Since they're seed-grown (not clones), each is an original. There will be variation in the cross but with excellent parents, they're all beautiful.

[dbarron]

You raise some excellent points Roberta.
SVO has another 'feature', since single plants aren't postage efficient, I can also delve into at least one of the Aussie dend hybrids, that have been tantalizing, even if I haven't managed to ever flower straight kingianum. I keep trying

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by dbarron

You raise some excellent points Roberta.
SVO has another 'feature', since single plants aren't postage efficient, I can also delve into at least one of the Aussie dend hybrids, that have been tantalizing, even if I haven't managed to ever flower straight kingianum. I keep trying

Very good idea and I thoroughly support this, you're thinking like a true cost conscious orchid addict!!

[MateoinLosAngeles]

The first plant that came to mind is Rlc. Little Toshie. I would email Gold Country Orchids and ask for their list. They're pretty terrible at replying to emails, so if you don't get the list within a week or two: email them again. Last time I checked in Spring I wanted to get that same plant but was out of stock, when I asked if they were expecting to bring it back they never answered. Old fashioned, not-internet friendly customer service, but excellent orchids.

[dbarron]

Very pretty and right up my alley, except maybe for the blooming size...looks a bit large at 14 inches (at least if my research is correct)?

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by dbarron

Very pretty and right up my alley, except maybe for the blooming size...looks a bit large at 14 inches (at least if my research is correct)?

Looks smaller in his hand (attached)

My understanding is that Little Toshie's popularity is due to having a huge flower that is almost the size of the plant. So if the flower is 4-5 inch I assume the plant is 6-8 inch. However, it might be that this particular hybrid blooms as a very young plant but then continues on to growing to 14 inch sizes... I just don't know that.

Many miniature hybrids use Cattleya Beaufort, I believe Fred Clarke has had many Beaufort hybrids (maybe even currently). Some names that are on my radar are C. Lucky Chance, Rlc. Sanyo Butterfly, or C. Lana Coryell (some have beautiful pale pink color, an offspring Rlc. Rlc. Coconut Ice 'Pinky' is a cultivar of stunning pastel color). I'm particularly fond of pastel cattleyas or pure neons but if you like these bright yellows look into hybrids with Little Toshie as a parent.

[dbarron]

That sounds reasonable, and then perhaps another 6-8 inches height on the flower stalk.
It still seems overmuch for a windowsill where a six inch pot is the absolute max space. Maybe I need to stick with my dendrobiums, paphs, and smaller oncidiums?