C. Violacea - Orchid Board

Houston · #1 10-09-2012, 12:14 PM

Howdy folks,

Was curious as to how long I can expect blooms on a C. violacea to last.

I've seen many forum members here on OB that seem to have Catt fever. From what I've read the blooms only last up to 3 weeks. To me that seems like very little reward! The flowers are beautiful, but unless something completely entrances me, I can't reason taking up precious growing space with it. Can someone also explain the Catt obsession with me

tucker85 · #2 10-09-2012, 01:45 PM

For my personal taste cattleyas are the quintessential orchids. They have the classic shape and colors that I associate with orchids. Here, in South Florida, cattleyas are pretty much effortless because they can grow out in the back yard with almost no care at all. They can tolerate drought conditions, they can grow in high or low light (although they don't bloom as well in low light), they'll grow in or on almost anything, and they can handle temperatures down to almost freezing. The only thing that can hurt them is overwatering. The down side is that you only have flowers for a few weeks out of the year. In warm weather my catts bloom for 2-3 weeks, in cool weather they can last 4-5 weeks. Some of the new compact and mini-cattleyas can bloom several times a year but most of those don't have the classic cattleya appearance. I'm impressed if you've managed to bloom C. Violacea because that one has always given me trouble.

dounoharm · #3 10-09-2012, 01:51 PM

cattleyas are the queen of the orchids, and tho they generally bloom only once a year, they put on such a show that ensures thier space in my collection....catts are wonderful, very forgiving and soo rewarding! all you have to do is give them light and water once a week or so, and you get a magnificent display! the mini catts are great too, and bloom twice or more a year! yes, i got catt addiction and i am proud of my floof!

CR7cristiano · #4 10-09-2012, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dounoharm

cattleyas are the queen of the orchids, and tho they generally bloom only once a year, they put on such a show that ensures thier space in my collection....catts are wonderful, very forgiving and soo rewarding! all you have to do is give them light and water once a week or so, and you get a magnificent display! the mini catts are great too, and bloom twice or more a year! yes, i got catt addiction and i am proud of my floof!

Yeah Catts are gorgeous and very hardy. And Potinaras; the good hybridized ones are very strong bloomers as well!

P.s. Nora....the Hawaiian Thrill 'Paradise' bloom has started to emerge from the sheath!

Hopefully it will be in full by my birthday this month!

Houston · #5 10-09-2012, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tucker85

... I'm impressed if you've managed to bloom C. Violacea because that one has always given me trouble.

Tucker, I haven't had the opportunity to try. Sorry for the confusion. I understand the love behind the beauty of the flower, I think they are fantastic when in bloom, but the waiting kills me! I was wondering how long the C. Violacea blooms last as I love the looks of C. Violacea icabaru and hector luis, but if its blooms only last for under a month I'll hold off on purchasing.

CR7cristiano · #6 10-09-2012, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston

Tucker, I haven't had the opportunity to try. Sorry for the confusion. I understand the love behind the beauty of the flower, I think they are fantastic when in bloom, but the waiting kills me! I was wondering how long the C. Violacea blooms last as I love the looks of C. Violacea icabaru and hector luis, but if its blooms only last for under a month I'll hold off on purchasing.

I still think its worth it. When you see the results of your care its all worth.....its like a way for the orchid to show its appreciation for your care. Get it!!

tucker85 · #7 10-09-2012, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston

Tucker, I haven't had the opportunity to try. Sorry for the confusion. I understand the love behind the beauty of the flower, I think they are fantastic when in bloom, but the waiting kills me! I was wondering how long the C. Violacea blooms last as I love the looks of C. Violacea icabaru and hector luis, but if its blooms only last for under a month I'll hold off on purchasing.

My C. violacea has never bloomed but I think it's pretty safe to say that flowers won't last more than a month.

isurus79 · #8 10-10-2012, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houston

Tucker, I haven't had the opportunity to try. Sorry for the confusion. I understand the love behind the beauty of the flower, I think they are fantastic when in bloom, but the waiting kills me! I was wondering how long the C. Violacea blooms last as I love the looks of C. Violacea icabaru and hector luis, but if its blooms only last for under a month I'll hold off on purchasing.

An orchid grower who isn't patient??? This is definitely not the hobby for you then!!

And I have to say, 3 weeks for one bloom is a pretty darn long time IMO!! Also don't forget that violacea (unlike many Catts) can bloom multiple times per year.

tucker85 · #9 10-10-2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isurus79

Also don't forget that violacea (unlike many Catts) can bloom multiple times per year.

I wasn't aware that violacea can bloom more than once a year. That's good to know. I think mine is still too small to bloom but it's been a very slow grower. I've heard that other cultivars like C. violacea 'Muse' are more vigorous growers. I'm keeping my eye out for one of those.

isurus79 · #10 10-10-2012, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tucker85

I wasn't aware that violacea can bloom more than once a year. That's good to know.

I should mention that this happens under ideal conditions and is more common among those violaceas whose ancestry is from habitats that don't have a pronounced dry season. C. violacea's range is very large and encompasses several different climate regimes in South America.