Lc. Drumbeat ‘Heritage’ AM/AOS
 

These are always very nice blooms, about 7 by 7 inches and a great fragrance (spicy, cinnamon maybe). I love the dowiana heritage in so many hybrid Catts – the lip color and ruffling.

The photo is of a cut bloom. I just bring cut blooms into the house, not entire plants, since our cats eat the catts (vegetarian cannibalism ?) and anyone with a cat knows what happens next.

Ed

Lovely, just lovely. :love:

Paula

It's a beautiful bloom, Ed. Is this a standard-sized (in other words, large) cattleya hybrid?

Steve

Always a beauty! And I know what you mean about the cats!

Large
 

Steve,

I'm afraid it is. PBulb and leaf length is 18-20" or so. I love the big, big blooms but I wish the plant wasn't quite so bulky.

Ed

That's what I thought, Ed. It's a stunning flower, and the big standard cattleyas make showstopping displays when they're in bloom, but they require a lot of real estate. I have a C. Bob Betts that blooms like crazy every fall. Unfortunately, it's at least three feet wide at this point, with many new leads growing in every direction. I've got it planted in a fourteen-inch wooden slat basket, and judging from the extensive root system that's completely bound the plant to the basket, I know that it's going to require a couple of shots of whiskey and a small saw when it comes time for me to repot it. Congratulations on your plant and blooms. The flowers are beautiful.

Steve

Is the whiskey used on the cut rhizomes to prevent rot ?

Charlie

No, Charlie, I hadn't considered using the whiskey for the plant's benefit. :)

Steve,

Ooohhh !

I did a little searching and found an Oct 2008 photo of your plant / flowers -- very nice. Well, when you decide to open that whiskey bottle and start cutting that basket apart, remember this poor ol' boy in NC would dearly love a piece !

Charlie

Hi Ed! I too have a gorgeous LC Drumbeat heritage. Funny part is, I never remember it having a scent! I feel jipped!!! My orchids is also very large and grows outta control! It does take up lots of real estate space on my orchid table! Great photo and wonderful growing!

Katie :)