Cattleya Hardyana

[Rosim_in_BR]

Cattleya Hardyana is the primary hybrid between the species C. dowiana (now aurea) and C. warscewiczii (former gigas). It occurs naturally in Colombia.
I still don’t know whether I like or not this plant in the photo. It has in the petals a weird repetition of the venation of the lip of Cattleya dowiana, but white instead of the wonderful golden yellow seen in that species (see detail in the fourth photo) which gives the flower a strange aspect. What do you think of it?

[kiki-do]

I like strange! I like unique! I think the colors add flare and your catt. is beautiful. But.....I have yet to look at an orchid I didn't admire, so take my comment very lightly for more professional opinions. I would make a terrible judge, wouldn't I? They would all be winners! BTW, whenever I see you have a new post I immediately bypass every other one to look at yours first. Your collection....your photos.....all make my day! Keep the photos coming! kiki-do

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by kiki-do

I like strange! I like unique! I think the colors add flare and your catt. is beautiful. But.....I have yet to look at an orchid I didn't admire, so take my comment very lightly for more professional opinions. I would make a terrible judge, wouldn't I? They would all be winners! BTW, whenever I see you have a new post I immediately bypass every other one to look at yours first. Your collection....your photos.....all make my day! Keep the photos coming! kiki-do

Thanks for the kindness, Kiki.
I confess that I'd also have to do some extra effort to be a fair judge myself, Kiki. I like them all.
I like hearing your opinion. I also like unique flowers and in this case I keep wondering how lovely it would be if the venation were golden yellow, not white.

[Frdemetr]

Hi Mauro,
The lip cames from dowiana aurea! Is it hard to grow, like dowiana? I killed one dowiana and gived-up (too expensive and full of 'melindres' - I don't know the word in english for 'não-me-toques' ou 'frescuras' )

[Tindomul]

Very nice. I really enjoy this orchid. The colors are so vibrant and the venation pattern on the sepals makes it more attractive.

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by Frdemetr

Hi Mauro,
The lip cames from dowiana aurea! Is it hard to grow, like dowiana? I killed one dowiana and gived-up (too expensive and full of 'melindres' - I don't know the word in english for 'não-me-toques' ou 'frescuras' )

It is easier, much easier to keep than C. dowiana, Frederico. I guess the only thing it retained from dowiana is that it also hates having its roots disturbed. So, when repotting you need to be careful to damage them as less as possible.

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Very nice. I really enjoy this orchid. The colors are so vibrant and the venation pattern on the sepals makes it more attractive.

Tindo, agree with you, I think Hardyana is one of the best combinations in primary crosses inside Cattleya. I have some other clones, two of them cream/yellow with lilac, veined lips. One of them is in bud and must be in flower next week. I guess you're gonna like it too.

[Phantasm]

Most of the C. Hardyana I've seen are either semi alba or a paler pink lavender. This one is pretty dark.....The venation on the petals is interesting and doesn't bother me. Of course, the C. dowiana lips are always lovely. Growing dowiana itself is challenging even to expert growers and you need the proper conditions.

[isurus79]

I REALLY like these colors!! Theyre very unique. I dont think Ive ever seen a primary hybrid with this type of coloration! I would definitely buy this plant if I saw it on someone's bench for sale!! Great growing! What if you were to cross this plant back with another dowiana? Hopefully you could retain the dark coloration while introducing more gold veining in the lip. Could be a show stopper!!

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I REALLY like these colors!! Theyre very unique. I dont think Ive ever seen a primary hybrid with this type of coloration! I would definitely buy this plant if I saw it on someone's bench for sale!! Great growing! What if you were to cross this plant back with another dowiana? Hopefully you could retain the dark coloration while introducing more gold veining in the lip. Could be a show stopper!!

Isurus, yours is a good idea. One of the well-known effects caused by using C. dowiana as a parent is that it reinforces the purple/red of the other parent making it darker (if possible!). I'll try finding dowiana to cross it! Good hint!