Guarianthe bowringiana

[euplusia]

This is one of the easiest Cattleyas, and a good plant for beginners. It is found in Belize and Guatemala, growing on rocks near floating water at low to intermediate elevations. Good humidity is preferred, but not a must. One thing I like is that plants do not escape their pots. With regular fertilizing plants can grow fairly high, up to 60 centimeters, with 2 or sometimes 3 leaves. Flowers are produced in September/October and last 2 weeks. Give a drier cooler rest when flowers are completed.
I bought this plant as a division more than 20 years ago. Still love it. Blue tones are not rare, but good white ones are rarer than a needle in a haystack. In the net you can find a good white bowringiana division offered for 10 000 USD.

[Vanda lover]

It's gorgeous! Too bad it doesn't bloom for very long.

[isurus79]

Very well grown!!

[WhiteRabbit]

Holy smokes! Spectacular!

[brsucculents]

Nice presentation. It seem most plants I see have nodding flowers. I have a blue clone that has very upward pointing flowers but they are very small.
Very nice plant. Does it have a clonal name?

[No-Pro-mwa]

Gorgeous.

[Pat'sCatt's]

Stunning! It's a complete bouquet of flowers!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

This one is fantastic! Have never even heard about the species. And wow, 10K for white, hmm, will have to pass :-)

[brsucculents]

I think Hamlyn has a few alba divisions available at that price. It may be expensive but it's a "vigorous grower and excellent bloomer".

Many of the lavender hybrids that bloom this time of year have bowringiana in the background. There's been over 1800 hybrids with this species. Ironically, skinneri which looks similar and blooms in the Spring has very few hybrids.

If you can stand a touch of blue in the lip of the white flower, EOM has a var. albescens for $8.

[euplusia]

There is no international accepted clonal name for this one. To identify plants in my personal greenhouse it carries the indication of origin 'Trautmann'. Mr. Trautmann was co-founder of our local group, a pioneer with good knowledge, great plants and a somewhat eccentric personality.
And yes, flowers don't last very long, but here in October 3 weeks are normal.
And brsucculents, you know what I was talking about. I keep my eyes open for more good varieties of bowringiana, but importing from Hawaii is difficult so far.