Cattleya Zachary Hodes (violacea x harrisoniana)

[isurus79]

First bloom on this Cattleya Zachary Hodes (violacea x harrisoniana) and I want to point out a few things.

1. The super dark root tip (left side of photo) predicts a super dark flower. Looks like I got a rubra and was right on the money with the root tip prediction.

2. This flower is HIDEOUS!! 😅😅 Specifically, the shape is terrible. Great color though.

However, that’s ok for now. An orchid’s first bloom is often wonky and these guy can take a few tries before getting it right. Also, blooming during 100+ degree temps can warp flowers, so this plant got a serious one-two punch against a nice bloom.

Cattleya Zachary Hodes (harrisoniana x violacea) by Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis, on Flickr

See left side of photo for ugly bloom. The right side shows the same spike, but with flowers that opened during cooler temps. Notice we’re getting better formed flowers that give a hint of this plant’s true blooming potential. Also notice the intense #rubra coloration is present in both photos. I’m excited to see what this one will do in the future! 🙌🙌


Cattleya Zachary Hodes (violacea x harrisoniana) by Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis, on Flickr

[katrina]

Color is amazing! And, I definitely see potential with shape. If it does what I think it will...keep me in mind when you divide.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by katrina

Color is amazing! And, I definitely see potential with shape. If it does what I think it will...keep me in mind when you divide.

Will do!

[smweaver]

I like it a lot. And for me, that fantastic color makes up for the shape, and hopefully Katrina is correct and the shape will greatly improve as the plant matures. Definitely a keeper for the time being.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by smweaver

I like it a lot. And for me, that fantastic color makes up for the shape, and hopefully Katrina is correct and the shape will greatly improve as the plant matures. Definitely a keeper for the time being.

Yep, I think this one will do pretty well!!