First bloom C. maxima

[braxtonds]

My Cattleya maxima finally opened! I didn't think it would start blooming this year but it put out a really nice flower. It is a first time bloomer on quite a small plant. I noticed that there are some really nice striations in the petals, does this make it a var. striata? I have no idea how to name these things. I imagine that it was a seed grown plant and was sold with the name C. maxima. The color is very pale when it opened but is a nice lavender now after a few weeks. Let me know what you think, do the patterns make it more special or desirable or are they more common? This is my first maxima. Thanks.

[silken]

Very nice. It seems it might be unuaual and likely can be called var. striata. I'm no expert on it tho. But I looked at the many pics in OrchidWiz and didn't notice one striated one or any called var. striata. It does seem to be a maxima with the characteristic yellow strip up the centre of the throat.

Maybe people more in the know will give an opinion.

I'm curious where yours came from. I just got one this fall from Peru Flora

[WhiteRabbit]

Very nice!

[braxtonds]

I got it as a seedling from the old Oak Hill Gardens, back when they shipped orchids

[No-Pro-mwa]

So pretty. Nice big bloom on a small plant.

[isurus79]

Good looking color! Very unusual.

[My Green Pets]

It is an early bloomer! Gives me hope for my seedlings.

Beautiful color!

[wintergirl]

Very pretty, congrats!

[palm521]

very good color, and good shape, whats the cross name?

looks like the high land maxima. how big is the flower?

[gngrhill]

very nice, congrats