Cattleya percivaliana var. caerulea

[Rosim_in_BR]

From year to year, it is noticeable how variable some percivalianas are, as to the form. A quick look at the photo below shows what I am saying. Both flowers are exactly the same. Some other clones, like semi-albas 'Farah Diba' and 'Jewel', seem to do the same thing. A friend suggested that percivalianas show their full genetic potential when dehydrated, showing then their best form and lasting longer than when in good health. It seems a bit contradictory to me. Although I know that in their natural habitats the plants can pass through a period of drought (is that right, Jan?), this is normal with so many other orchids and drought do not affect them so drastically.