cattleya

[dsim]

finally, it bloomed after 3 yrs, i think. one of the flower is "abnormal".

looks like a common hybrid to me. any id would be greatly appreciated.

[Izzie]

Is there water damage on the petals? If not....my first thought was a color-break from a virus...
I'm no expert though.
I know all about that three year wait- it's a lovely flower.

[RobS]

My first feeling was virus definatly worth testing if you can.

[dsim]

Originally Posted by RobS

My first feeling was virus definatly worth testing if you can.

how bad can the "virus" be? or just making the flower appears "abnormal" only?

[RobS]

Mosaic as in your flowers is a very common symptom of different virusses. Not sure if the abnormal flower shape is related. Normally you should also see some spots or stripes on the leaves. If it's a virus (to be confirmed) best to cut your losses and get rid of the plant before it spreads to other plants in your collection. Some plants can contain virusses without visible symptoms others will be completly destroyed by them. That's why it's best to desinfect your tools between each plant.

[Eyebabe]

There is no question for me that this is color break.
If you want, test your plant asap and keep it well isolated until you do as this virus is contagious to your other plants. Me, I'd pitch it...but I don't want to be "bossy"
No wonder it took three years to eck out some blooms.
Bleach all your tools for about 20 minutes etc.
The virus will kill the plant...causes a "failure to thrive" with it's ultimate demise. Also, your blooms may seem lovely to you; but if you see how they are suppose to be without the color break, well, you would understand how this look is not desirable. Any other plant infected will suffer the same fate.
ORSV or color break virus is usually NOT tolerated in peoples collections for these reasons.
I have attached some photos of catts I've had to get rid of with color break.
The first picture is the second year bloom of a George King 'Serendipity' and the second picture is the bloom I took it home with. You can see the trace of color break in it I missed. I LOVED this plant and wanted it very much for a long time when I bought it. I called around for a virus free replacement to a few nurseries and have another one now.
The last photo is also a "take me home" photo from the nursery. After two years of no blooms, I flipped through some photos and picked it up with my more educated eye.
I encourage everyone to KNOW what this virus looks like.