Transferring C. aclandiae Seedling to Basket

[orchidman77]

Hope I didn't create a problem!

I did some digging - although I definitely don't know as much as you already about the genetics of coerulea coloration, especially in bifoliates. I looked through google images of coerulea aclandiae blooms trying to find how the new growth appeared, and some definitely show spots, like this one from SVO:

Sunset Valley Orchids - Superior Hybrids for Orchid Growers

So, I guess pigmentation in leaves/sheaths might work differently for bifoliates? With labiate cattleyas, they usually lack any spotting or pigmentation like albas. I have a coerulea Gaudii (tigrina x loddigesii) from SVO 2 years ago that has yet to bloom that will exhibit a little pigmentation on the developing growths, but I wouldn't call it red. I think the cross was done before with the same parents and yielded blue offspring. I'll have to wait and see for confirmation when it does bloom!

I do remember reading from Fred's notes to look for a "grey cast" on leaves (this implies coerulea flowers), and I've definitely seen this on my Gaudii. Maybe that's useful for aclandiae too!

Orchids never stop surprising me. I love it! And yes, you will end up with too many orchids before you know it!