Comparing this bloom to Cattleya Earl ‘Imperialis’

[piping plover]

Hello All! Anyone growing or familiar with C. Earl ‘Imperialis’ that can help me with this?

Photos below of my blooming orchid that I was told is C. Earl ‘Imperialis’. Do the blooms and habit of the pendulous flower stem look like C. Earl ‘Imperialis’? Any characteristics to rule out being C. Earl ‘Imperialis’?

I do have a known C. Earl ‘Imperialis’ growing adjacent but it is not in bloom; buds blasted this year. Would have made a nice side by side comparison, otherwise. The foliage appears identical between the two. However, I heard from others that it’s not saying much with all the decades breeding of the corsage type white Catts.

Thanks in advance for any help and observations you can provide.

Joseph

[estación seca]

Whatever it is, it's beautiful.

[Waterdog111]

Absolutely Gorgous!

[FranningtonBear]

Stunning!

[Jmoney]

"could be". that cultivar of Earl is known for it's perfectly round flowers. bloomings may vary, and mericlones may vary a bit too. hard to tell for sure.

[piping plover]

Thanks Jmoney. I was thinking of sending you a PM on this since I recall you posting photos of your beautiful ‘Imperialis’ awhile ago. Did yours have those long hanging stems or was it held more upright? This orchid has always had that pendulous way of presenting blooms even though I grow it in very high light from an upward source.

Originally Posted by Jmoney

"could be". that cultivar of Earl is known for it's perfectly round flowers. bloomings may vary, and mericlones may vary a bit too. hard to tell for sure.

[My Green Pets]

There might be more folks at Slippertalk that would take on your question. Quite a Cattleya specialist crew there, in spite of the forum name.

[piping plover]

Thank you MGP for the suggestion. I will look them up and post. I’ve had this orchid for nearly 40 years and would really like to resolve this identification if possible.

Originally Posted by My Green Pets

There might be more folks at Slippertalk that would take on your question. Quite a Cattleya specialist crew there, in spite of the forum name.

[Jmoney]

you may not be able to know for sure, since I find many of these whites look very similar. I have about a dozen 'historic' white cultivars myself, some are more recognizable than others, and some definitely vary shape on different bloomings.

2 thoughts: in general the spikes may be less upright without a sheath. I don't know if you cut your sheath, but it seems it is not coming out of a full sheath which offers support. Bow Bells 'Honolulu' has been used in breeding a lot and is known for weak stems. Earl has a lot of BB in its background, although I don't know what cultivars may have been used for 'Imperialis'.

2. where did you get this plant. that could shed light on its origins. when I collect original divisions it is imperative for me to note my source. A historic cattleya is only as good as your provenance.