C. bicolor
 

Well, it's kind of living up to it's name in these photos. The greenish one just opened, so it hasn't acquired it's color yet. I kinda like it that way....it's actually "bi-color" right now!:biggrin:
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Awesome!!

Those are great shots seeing the two next to each other. :cheer:

:drool:
Joann

So these 2 flowers are on the same plant? You should try to put the undeveloped flower in super bright light or dark shade to see how much of a difference light levels affect flower coloration. Or not! Sorry, I'm a nerd. I love experiments! lol

Neat. I like the green, too.

Kim

WOW now I want one :drool::drool:

Jasen, your plant brings up a point, I have been told by people I consider expert in orchids that the true species of bicolor does not have exposed sides lobes as does yours and mine, Mine are in bud and about ready to open so I am eagerly awaiting to see how they bloom this year.

Yes, Mauro and I had this discussion last year. I can't say whether or not it's a true bicolor, I can only read the tag. However, seeing the way that orchids evolve....I wouldn't find it far fetched if they have evolved these lobes in cultivation. Ya know? It's impossible for anyone to say for sure....either way.

For many cattleya species, there is indeed a noticeable distinction in how the side lobes are shaped, or whether they are overlapped or open. However, on the same plant or divisions thereof, there can be slight differences from bloom to bloom, just as there often can be flower size differences from bloom to bloom.
These difference are not normally as big a difference as the nearly overlapping sidelobes of C bicolor and your photos.

There is a BIG HOWEVER.

Breeders are always trying to improve the quality of flowers, whether hybrids or species. Sometimes, the breeding of selected parents can result in offspring which are superior. Improved flowers mean larger, fuller, thicker flower parts ... including the column. Many times, a very wide lip and enlarged column prevents the side lobes from overlapping or even meeting as they would with flowers with normal sized columns.

Then there is also the matter of mutations. Sometimes mutations might occur in natural populations, but probably at a miniscule rate. Under artificial propagation, however, plant material is subjected to very accelerated growth and development due to the high concentrations of nutrients (compared to naturally occurring nutrient levels), as well as any growth stimulators or regulators which might be present. This occurs at the cell division or development stage when the plant material might be even more prone to mutations. Even when unintended, mutations such as tetraploidy can occur. Again, enlarged flower parts ... enlarged columns... might cause side lobes to be flared outward rather than closed.

OORRRR ... your plants just might not be C bicolor. I'm not an expert on them. Ha Ha. Even taxonomists can't make final determinations from photos.

OK experts. Take your shots.