C.coccinea in hybrid parentage

[greenhouseFrog]

The rest of the lineage is going to have to pull through on mine if there’s any hope of it carving out a living where it’s at…

Yours looked fantastic! The full flower shape to me is part of the attractiveness—I suppose that’s one of the reasons that breeders use it.

In retrospect, I wonder if these would have truly been better off inside in the AC for those of us in hotter climates? That feels so counterintuitive because I’m used to just growing outside, but it’s never too late to try something new!

Edited to say I LOVE that picture!!! Everything I’d want in a red Cattleya, simple yet bold and distinguished!

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by greenhouseFrog

Edited to say I LOVE that picture!!! Everything I’d want in a red Cattleya, simple yet bold and distinguished!

Look for some mini-Catt hybrids that may have more heat-tolerance (and hybrid vigor) Sunset Valley Orchids or Diamond Orchids. The latter, Peter T. Lin, lives in inland southern California where summer temps are often in triple digits F. (Vista, CA where SVO is located, can also get pretty hot in summer, definitely not coastal). Seek the advice of Fred Clarke and Peter.

[greenhouseFrog]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Seek the advice of Fred Clarke and Peter.

Yeah I’m going to do that. I shopped with my eyes earlier in the year and wound up with 4 of the mini-Catts from Fred—they’re all predominantly coccinea in their lineages…Makes all the sense in the world why they weren’t happy.

I hope the hurricane rips them off the branches so I don’t have to do the shameful deed myself.

[Roberta]

It may be that they just need more shade than their current location... even cool-loving plants can put up with quite a bit of heat if they don't get direct sun. On the other hand, the hot muggy nights might be the problem, in California (both locations) they experience pretty severe daytime heat, but do have a chance to cool off at night. AC on the worst days could be the answer.

[greenhouseFrog]

Honestly, this year’s attempts have really turned me off to Cattleyas and their ilk. I’ll hold out for the Schomburgkia/Myrmecophila and the Encyclias because I really like the pseudobulbs, but aside from those and the nodosas, I think it’ll be a while before I shop Cattleyas again.