Rlc. Memoria Helen Brown 'Sweet Afton'

[SouthPark]

This particular cultivar has been one that I had been searching for in Australia for a very long time. A very very very very long time.

I didn't think I would ever be able to see one, let alone be able to purchase one and finally have the chance to grow one.

I received one today - towards the end of the bloom ------ but is still 'in bloom' so at least still able to share the colours of a flower from it.

The cross was made way way back in the '70's.

The flower colour - such as the amount of area on the lip that the violet/purple occupies --- does vary from flowering to flowering.

These days, just got to watch out for orchids being sold having the tag of Rlc. Memoria Helen Brown 'Sweet Afton' ...... many are highly unlikely to be 'Sweet Afton'.

I'll share fresh flower pics for the next time of flowering!

For this time, some 'rough' pics to enjoy hahaha. I think I can even see some wet sphagnum moss or something still stuck to the flower. I took these phone-pics soon after unboxing.

The orchid is now re-potted into scoria. Originally growing in bark + perlite + foam pieces.

A note to the previous owner/grower of this one ----- Thanks so much!!!!!

Google drive links (higher res pics):
Pic 1
Pic 2

[SouthPark]

I forgot to mention that the flower lip is scrunched a bit due to being inside a box etc for several days hehehe.

[WaterWitchin]

Very nice. I just got one I’ve looked for, for quite a long. Hopefully it will like me as much as I love it. It’s so fun when we have those AhHa! Finally! moments.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Very nice. I just got one I’ve looked for, for quite a long. Hopefully it will like me as much as I love it. It’s so fun when we have those AhHa! Finally! moments.

Nice to hear you recently managed to find one that you had been looking for too!

It will naturally like you WW!!

True!!!!!! Those kinds of 'finally' moments are very special moments! Very special. It's important to never give up searching.

[neophyte]

I remember your past posts about trying to find this plant; congrats on finally being able to obtain one!!!

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by neophyte

I remember your past posts about trying to find this plant; congrats on finally being able to obtain one!!!

Thanks for your very nice post neo! It's orchid fan friends like yourself and others here on this particular forum making this forum such an excellent and amazing place. Totally appreciated!

[Diane56Victor]

Always great to be able to find a much wanted orchid.
Im sure another orchid just jumped to the top of your list!

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Diane56Victor

Always great to be able to find a much wanted orchid.
Im sure another orchid just jumped to the top of your list!

Hi Diane! There's still a couple on the try-my-luck list!!

Although this particular one --- the 'Sweet Afton' has been a super long search.

One honest thing is that my under-balcony growing area kind of ran out of growing space, and I really broke a 'vow' to not order any more orchids ----- at least for a while haha. I'm definitely going to vow again though. This is what happens with limited growing area hahaha. I guess I could possibly just push some catasetums out into the open sun!! That might be an option!

[Leafmite]

Congratulations on finding it.