Cattleya harrisoniana var. pérola

[Rosim_in_BR]

This is a well-known species despite the eternal mix-ups with C. loddigesii. This variety seems white, but actually the flowers have a pearled coloration, hence the varietal name. These bifoliate Catts need special care with the roots and the repotting time or they can easily be lost.

Cattleya harrisoniana var. pérola on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[Tindomul]

Wow! That is gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing.
How tall is your plant?

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Wow! That is gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing.
How tall is your plant?

It is 45cm tall more or less, Tindo.

[Royal]

What lead to the "eternal" mix-ups? Is this why I see so many loddigesii var. harrisoniana? I guess these are really just C. harrisoniana?

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

What lead to the "eternal" mix-ups? Is this why I see so many loddigesii var. harrisoniana? I guess these are really just C. harrisoniana?

Harrisoniana was at first described as a variety of C. loddigesii, Royal. Many still label it this way and that's why you still see some with this name on the label. But, it has been elevated to the status of species and should be considered this way. The mix-ups occur because it is really similar in all aspects to C. loddigesii, the differences really not easy to detect, although real. The mess tends to get bigger because they crossed both and then... well you can imagine the degree of difficulty !!

[Becca]

Beautiful Maruo! Do all bifoliate Catts, as well as Cattleya harrisoniana, need special care with the roots and the repotting time or just Cattleya harrisoniana?

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by Becca

Beautiful Maruo! Do all bifoliate Catts, as well as Cattleya harrisoniana, need special care with the roots and the repotting time or just Cattleya harrisoniana?

Yes, Becca, they need. Especially those with thinner stems like C. bicolor, C. tenuis, C. harrisoniana, C. porphyroglossa, C. forbesii... In general bifoliate Catts don't have how to save water and nutrients in the form of carbohydrates like the others with enlarged pseudo bulbs do, so they essentially depend on healthy roots.

[Roly0217]

That's a beautiful plant like always Mauro !!!!! Also thanks a lot for all of the information that you always provide when asked.

[Becca]

Ohhhh.....well I am glad I know that now...lol! I think I may have repotted my C. harrisoniana at the wrong time (late fall)....I have noticed it has been pretty shriveled looking lately. I guess if I lose it, I will know not to do that with the replacement...lol. Thanks Mauro!

[cb977]

That's magnificent!

I adore the big fluffy white Cattleyas...and now you show me one that's pearlized?