Cattleya percivaliana alba (& more)

[smweaver]

Your C. percivaliana is fantastic. I actually quite like the fragrance of this species. Yes, it's certainly a little on the atypical side, especially when compared to other labiate cattleyas noted for their strong and lovely fragrance. But I don't find C. percivaliana's fragrance to be offensive at all (and nowhere nearly as bad as some of the comparison's I've read others make: musty gym locker, crushed millipede, etc.). The scent gives it a lot of character, in my view. And now I too want one of the alba-flowered plants. Thanks for posting photos of your wonderful blooms.

[Califoutdoors]

Originally Posted by smweaver

Your C. percivaliana is fantastic. I actually quite like the fragrance of this species. Yes, it's certainly a little on the atypical side, especially when compared to other labiate cattleyas noted for their strong and lovely fragrance. But I don't find C. percivaliana's fragrance to be offensive at all (and nowhere nearly as bad as some of the comparison's I've read others make: musty gym locker, crushed millipede, etc.). The scent gives it a lot of character, in my view. And now I too want one of the alba-flowered plants. Thanks for posting photos of your wonderful blooms.

It’s funny how the fragrance of percivaliana is hit or miss for folks… *😵* I personally have whiffed a few percivaliana tipos that came close to musty gym locker…!

I also think percivaliana‘s fragrance varies more than the sweeter labiate cattleyas. The one alba I smelled at Stewart’s in the ‘90’s was much more spicy and pleasant.

[Johndeaux22]

The C. percivilliana is amazing! Looks almost like one of the old RHS paintings.