Beautiful Cattleya rex - Orchid Board

Rosim_in_BR · #1 01-22-2009, 05:01 PM

I've been growing this plant for long time, twelve years more or less. It is one of my all time favs because of the naturally yellow flowers with showy lips. I have been always very careful with its cultural needs, but three years ago I decided to give a piece for a dear friend. Did the cut in a bad hour for sure, because the plant lost almost all pseudo bulbs (only two left at the time) all the leaves fell and the plant went down to a seedling size. I thought I was loosing it when I decided one year and a half ago to plant what had rested of it in pure moss. The best thing I could have done

! The reaction can be seen in the photo that follows.

Cattleya rex flowers: Cattleya rex O'Brien on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Detail of the showy lip: Cattleya rex O'Brien on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The two pbs and the small one that originally were planted in the moss and the new ones I got in one and a half year:

Tindomul · #2 01-22-2009, 05:53 PM

That gives me great hope for one of mine that Im sure to loose. But I placed its last few pseudobulbs in moss, and it has yet to die. Has not prospered, but isn't dead either.

Beautiful Catt!!

Rosim_in_BR · #3 01-22-2009, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul

That gives me great hope for one of mine that Im sure to loose. But I placed its last few pseudobulbs in moss, and it has yet to die. Has not prospered, but isn't dead either.

Beautiful Catt!!

It can be tricky this species, Tindo! Hope you can save yours!

Becca · #4 01-22-2009, 06:39 PM

Wow Mauro that is beautiful! I think I am adding that one to my list and bumping it up towards the top! Maybe I can start out with a seedling....and I'll make note not to divide it! I am glad you were able to save it! It's such a beauty!

Rosim_in_BR · #5 01-22-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Becca

Wow Mauro that is beautiful! I think I am adding that one to my list and bumping it up towards the top! Maybe I can start out with a seedling....and I'll make note not to divide it! I am glad you were able to save it! It's such a beauty!

A seedling is a good idea, Becca! With one you will have the oportunity to adapt it to your conditions while it is growing and this seems to be important with species like this.

Roly0217 · #6 01-22-2009, 07:37 PM

Mauro that's a beautiful species that has been on my wishlist for about 5 months; since I first saw it. But not easily to get.

Lagoon · #7 01-22-2009, 07:50 PM

Would have been such a shame to lose that beautiful catt

They also don't seem easy to come by!
It's just gorgeous Mauro

Tin, just keep pluggin' away - perhaps the start of the spring will give you some new growth

Brooke · #8 01-22-2009, 08:08 PM

I just got a C. rex from Ecuagenera in September when they attended the MAOC. I preordered from them and picked them up at the show.

They will also take preorders and mail them once they are stateside.

I put mine in Prime Agra and clay and it appears to be doing well with a new growth. I wish I had considered sphag instead.

Brooke