Slc. Jewel Box "Dark Waters" AM/AOS

[BKFSRS]

I couldn't resist the colors of this one at the Hausermann's orchid show last weekend. I hope that I can get it to bloom next season. The only thing I don't understand is that it seems to be potted in a mix of bark AND sphagnum moss, which doesn't seem preferable for Catts? I didn't notice before I left, or would have asked, but will the next time I'm there. Seems like that would be too soggy for Catts.

[dounoharm]

oh man, that is a ball of fire! what a stunner! I don't understand the moss either, I would definitely ask...maybe it was in a really dry greenhouse and needed the moss for their environment...I would be tempted to change it out soon as the blooms fade...I never could keep a cat in moss....good luck, and congrats on that one!

[james mickelso]

Very nice catt. Love the colors. A possible reason it has sphagnum moss in the mix is economics. Next time you visit a green house like Hauserman's go inside and experience the environmental conditions. Very warm, humid, and breezy with near perfect light. The breeze helps dry out the plants yet the moss keeps the mix somewhat damp. Not wet but damp. This is so that it takes less water to keep them growing well. You will get it to re-flower but most likely not next season unless you are very good at growing catts and have the proper environment to do so. This orchid was grown close to it's optimum environmental needs and was pampered. But give it good care and it will flower ok and then in two or three seasons will have the energy to flower like this again.

---------- Post added at 09:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:23 PM ----------

Alos I read about a little trick growers sometimes use. They grow the orchids near perfect but delay the first flowering until there are a bunch of pbulbs all the same age and then they give them cool temps for a week or so.

[Bolero]

Fantastic plant, I am sure you will do fine with it.

I would have bought it for sure......

[No-Pro-mwa]

Beautiful, I have the orange one from Hausermanns and it is in the same mix. And guess what, I still let it get to dry. Indeed it is blooming now but the first 2 sheaths that it came with dried up.

[RosieC]

Really gorgeous colour!

[BKFSRS]

Thanks for all of the comments. I will definitely get it out of the moss when the blooms fade. I don't do well with moss and have my other Catts in Orchiata.