Cattleya maxima
 

This is a maxima I've had for several years now. It has coerulea parents, but bloomed as a tipo several years ago with very droopy petals, even for this species. Well, its been several years since I've left Hawaii and have found what this guy likes here in Texas. It is a highland variety and is therefore found on a much more compact plant than the lowland variety. It seems to really like the moderated indoor temps and grows under lights year round. This year it has actually put out four new growths! Anyway, now that I have orchids blooming for me again, I seem to have forgotten how to make my camera show the true colors, This plant has an almost neon or electric pink glow to it and I am very happy with the overall color and the more upright shape. Enjoy!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8...13e7dd99e3.jpg
Cattleya maxima by Isurus79, on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8...0237fa456b.jpg
Cattleya maxima by Isurus79, on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8...6aa55a7bb7.jpg
Cattleya maxima by Isurus79, on Flickr

love it :)

That's a beautiful C. maxima. I love the design on the lip and the great color. Some colors are impossible to get right with digital photography. I have one of those compact maximas but mine is still small and hasn't bloomed. I bought it from an orchid grower from Ecuador who had both the tall and the short variety. I seem to have trouble with some cattleya species but my maxima has been growing exceptionally well here in South Florida. Since yours is doing well in Texas also, I assume it's a fairly hardy species. I hope my flowers will be as nice as yours. Thanks for posting the picture.

WOW!!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!! This is probably my favorite cattleya species! (though I have never grown one!) When you say "compact", how short are we talking here? I wonder if I have room....?

Really beautiful!

Thanks everyone!! :waving
I was growing this one outside two summers ago and the temp went over 100F for well over two months and it grew like a champ! These guys are definitely very hardy!

I measure just over 12" from the top of the media to the tip of tallest leaf. The growths are fairly compact and don't seem to grow very far from previous growths either. I say go for it!!

Just gorgeous. This is becoming one of my favorite Catt. species.

Kim

Me too! I should also mention this one has the conventional "Cattleya smell." Very nice, though not particularly powerful.

Beautiful flowers and photos, Steve. Nice work!

Thanks Ron!