Brassocattleya Maikai ‘Louise’ AM/AOS
 

Brassocattleya or Brasso-cattleya, abbreviated Bc. in the horticultural trade, is an intergeneric orchid hybrid from the genera Brassavola and Cattleya.
Brassocattleya (Bc.) Maikai = Brassavola (B.) nodosa X Cattleya (C.) bowringiana, primary hybrid crossed by Hirose and registered in 1944. This was awarded by AOS 50 years ago.
There are three clones of Maikai: 'Mayumi', 'Lea', 'Louise'.
Lavender and cream with dark purple speckles.
I also found out from reading that the flower clones 'Lea' and 'Luise' do not fade, while 'Mayumi' fades and produce flowers that can have several shades and then gradually turn white, right before they fall off.
One distinct feature is that the back of the petals is more colorful than the front.
The Cattleya is the pollen parent that provided the hybrid its lavender color; whereas: Brassavola is the seed parent that contributed its fragrance, the shapes of the leaves, and its spots. (The spots are rarely noticed on the white flowers of the Brassavola except if it is exposed to high humidity).
This orchid plant can easily grow to specimen size. Maikai is a fall to winter bloomer; I am lucky that I was able to photograph the flower in an overcast sky (before the snow storm) that the camera captures the real color ….

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Very nice! There is another clone called 'Spotted Star' which I have. It is blooming now too.

Great pictures and thank you for the great explanation of the parentage. As a new orchid grower I have so much to learn and your explanation was simple enough for me to understand.

A welcome site despite our constant changing conditions and forecasts! Hope your snowfall is manageable-here in Ocean Co. about 8"-much less than predicted. Stay warm!

Thank You for the visit and your kindness.

Please post pictures of your clone so everyone can enjoy it.

---------- Post added at 02:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:25 PM ----------

Thank You!

I am glad to be of assistance.
I have a good friend in Kissimmee who gave me some of my Vandas.

---------- Post added at 02:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:27 PM ----------

Thank You for the visit and your kind encouraging words.

Manhattan survived the blizzards with just a few feet of snow....we were not bombed this time....

Fabulous!

Beautiful shots of a gorgeous flower. Love the spots, the shape, the color!

Very lovely, and you say that it is also fragrant!

Wow, that is a really gorgeous one! Thank you for sharing!

I love it. You guy's get dumped on and here in Wyoming we have had 50's and low 60's........ IN JANUARY!!!!! who knew.

Oh and I meant I love your blooms :rofl::rofl: