I need a picture of this orchid

[Mugsie]

I visited my "scratch and dent" nursery today to see what they had on the discount shelf. There were several orchids, as always. I bought one that was labeled as xx(?)C Candy Girl 'snow angel'. The first two letters were broken off the tag and of course no blooms. In fact, the poor plant was in terrible shape. I did see one tiny new shoot starting to form, which is why I picked it up. All the roots were gone with the exception of one about an inch long. I am attempting to save this one as I've done others.

My question is - would anyone have an idea of the first two letters and would you have a picture of this plant. I can't seem to find one on the internet.

Thanks....

[Roberta]

Likely it would be Lc Candy Girl (Laeliocattleya, current nomenclature Laeliocattanthe Lcn) Orchidroots shows the ancestors, which would give a good idea of what it will look like... a really cute compact Catt. I hope that you are able to save it! (Scratch and dent? Sounds like it was almost "totalled"... )

[Mugsie]

Roberta, yeah, it is almost totaled! I hate to see plants that have been abused and trashed like this. Because of my attitude, I occasionally visit one of the larger local nurseries which has a large houseplant section to include orchids. Lately they must have a new source, because they've been getting in a lot of different orchids.

Typically a number of the plants are too far gone in order to save them, but occasionally I'll find some which are "salvageable" given a lot of TLC. I have two Zygo Amandas in bloom now that were basically trashed by them earlier in the spring. I have a Hilo Sparkle that has just sent up a huge spike and should open soon.

I get a lot of enjoyment out of saving these guys, knowing I've helped them recover and they in turn reward me with their blooms. I think I can get this latest one to recover too before winter sets in and everything has to be moved inside. Winters in Pennsylvania are tough, but I put them in a room which gets a good amount of light and I supplement it with several Frit grow lights I purchased at Home Depot. By March / April they are beginning to show the effects of being inside, but around mid April they again go outside and regain their vigor. I love doing this.