Question on first bloom Catts

[orchidsarefun]

I see from OrchidWiz it was registered by someone in NZ - I believe its this grower.
C Petite Song 'Pink Button' AM/NZOS - Tuckers Orchid Nursery Store
Have you managed to find other bloom examples ?

Maybe you just got the worst of the worst genetic combo. I have noticed in my own breeding that there is a wide range of seedling growth and I am keeping these oddballs just to see what they bloom like. It would also ( or maybe not ) provide proof to 'cull' weaker seedlings early on.

[silken]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

I see from OrchidWiz it was registered by someone in NZ - I believe its this grower.
C Petite Song 'Pink Button' AM/NZOS - Tuckers Orchid Nursery Store
Have you managed to find other bloom examples ?

Maybe you just got the worst of the worst genetic combo. I have noticed in my own breeding that there is a wide range of seedling growth and I am keeping these oddballs just to see what they bloom like. It would also ( or maybe not ) provide proof to 'cull' weaker seedlings early on.

Yes, the only picture isn't from one of Fred Clarke's batch. I haven't seen any other pics. My friend bought the same plant at the same time but hers hasn't even bloomed yet. So I think mine must be happy to have bloomed twice now. I would like to see what she gets, but not sure how long I will have to wait. It also interests me that this very complex Catt is blooming from a bloom growth just like C. walkeriana or C. nobilior which it has none of in its make up. Last year it did bloom from a short spike. I haven't given it any strange chemicals and usually feed it MSU and recently have been adding Cal/Mag supplement. Same ferts as all my other orchids get. I think it is a dud to be honest. I have enough gorgeous blooms that I am not willing to take up space on this one if it can't improve.

[orchidsarefun]

I think you should e-mail Fred and ask him his opinion and mention your misgivings about the blooms. He may have had other feedback and I am sure he will give you a straight answer.
As a propagator myself - albeit it on a tiny scale - I know I would appreciate feedback because it does also go to the suitability of one or the other parent, maybe even the cross between the 2 being repeated or used in further breeding. He may even tell you that this was chemically treated in flask ! You never know until you ask.