Broughtonia sanguinea v alba

[Bud]

The orchid is from Jamaica and Cuba it is normally red or pink. It grows in the mangroves near the water. The white form is rare in the wild. My plant is a product of four generations and each time the best is used for the next generation. You would never find one like mine in the mangroves of Jamaica or Cuba. By improving species, the pressure is off the species left in the mangroves. It would be like wanting to own a German shepherd not a wolf. I got this plant from a grower in Connecticut who specialized in Broughtonia species and hybrids since 1980. This is warm growing and quite rewarding in the quality and length of time that it is in flower. It grows quickly during the warmer months. On sunny days, I water it in the morning and it is dry by late afternoon; because the roots are prone to rot and I am scared to overwater…..I give it fertilizer weekly weakly which is beneficial during the growing season. I maintain temperatures of constant 80F in winter to avoid it going into complete rest.
It is used for breeding because of its shape and colors. It is also crossed with others for its petal substance.
My plant is growing on a 2” pot with small sized bark, lava rock, tree fern shards, sponge rock and small clay pellets.
*Jerry posted blooms of this plant a while ago….

[Wynn Dee13]

Beautiful Bud! My alba has been blooming for months. It just keeps making more buds from the tip of the two spikes. Your spike is very short. Mine are very long and are about four or five times the length of yours. Are your spikes always that short? I have never seen such a short spike on this species. Thanks for sharing! I would post pics of mine but I can't get good enough pics.

[Bud]

Thank You, WynnDee!
You are right, the spike is very short (at 5 inches) compared to my pink variety that has 10 inches of spike. Maybe its because I put it indoors from being out on the fire escape. The change in position must have stunted it=Im lucky it didnt blast...

[Wynn Dee13]

At least it doesn't take up tons of room since the spike is short. The shorter spike holds the flowers nice too.

[Oscarman]

Nice one Bud!

Sadly you don't see many Broughtonias around our parts. Such a nice reward on small compact plants. Do you grow many of them?

[Bud]

Thank You, Dave !
I only have the pink and the alba.
I am a windowsill grower and these miniatures are great to have.

[WhiteRabbit]

Beautiful!

[Bud]

Thank You, Sonya !

[Lagoon]

I sure would like to have this little charmer. Beautiful white pristine blooms
Nice growing Bud

[Otis226]

Bud, it just amazes me - the number of types of 'chids you grow in a NYC apt! This is a real beauty. Good growing,
Tony