Cattleya Mystery Bloom

[Junebug]

I originally posted a similar thread to this under the Cattleya category. This is an off season bloom (usually blooms in Feb.) and it doesn't even look like the same flower. This Catt usually produces large, ruffled, fragrant, deep magenta blooms. So can anyone tell me why the blooms look like this???? This bloom pales in comparison and so far it has no scent. I just can't figure it out. Maybe the heat of summer affected the blooms. I looked at the rhizomes to see if I had accidently potted 2 plants together last year, but they all look connected with no gaps between. Has anyone had a similar experience, or does anyone have an explaination as to why this has happened?

[JennS]

I have had an instance where the second flowering of the year was not as showy, less flowers, not as dark of coloring, but it was not on a catt. I don't know if they get tired out but are still getting enough food and water to produce? Not really sure, but just a guess. Either way the flower looks beautiful and is very enjoyable!

[DebsC]

Very strange! Did you perhaps use any kind of spray on the plant? Insecticide, fungicide? Anything like that?

Wonder if the next bloom will be true. I guess it's a wait and see situation, but it's a pretty flower.

[Junebug]

I haven't sprayed her with anything. The cultural care has remained unchanged with the exception of being moved to a more sheltered location. She still receives adequate sunlight, but now has the porch roof protecting her from repeated episodes of rain. There is some good news. The bloom is fully open and has intensified in color just a bit and she's putting forth her intoxicating perfume. She has 3 fresh sheaths on this year's growth that are not yet exhibiting bud formation. I've included yesterday's photo update. Hubbie has the camera on job sites today.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Junebug

I haven't sprayed her with anything. The cultural care has remained unchanged with the exception of being moved to a more sheltered location. She still receives adequate sunlight, but now has the porch roof protecting her from repeated episodes of rain. There is some good news. The bloom is fully open and has intensified in color just a bit and she's putting forth her intoxicating perfume. She has 3 fresh sheaths on this year's growth that are not yet exhibiting bud formation. I've included yesterday's photo update. Hubbie has the camera on job sites today.

Hubbie came home with the camera this a.m. so I took some fresh photos. Here's what she's doing today. I wish I could provide a scratch and sniff. She smells glorious.

[Royal]

I'm really a Cattleya newbie, but I'll take a stab. Looks kind of like a dark form of C. quadricolor.

I think you answered your own question on the coloration. Off-season bloom, heat of the summer, etc.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

I'm really a Cattleya newbie, but I'll take a stab. Looks kind of like a dark form of C. quadricolor.

I think you answered your own question on the coloration. Off-season bloom, heat of the summer, etc.

I'm a "Name Newbie" because most of my collection are noids. Thanks for the stab. I'm thinking the difference in color intensity might very well be due to the difference in temp./season. She's growing well and appears healthy. Over the last 2 days the color has intensified a bit and thank goodness she released her perfume. Sniff...Ahhhh