Cattleya Psyche
 

This is a new addition to my collection.
It should be a primary hybrid ,Cattleya cinnabarina x Cattleya coccinea.
I hope I will be able to provide good care.
I keep it in front of a south facing window , R. H. 80% and good ventilation.
The plant looks strong and healthy apart from a few scars and water stains on the leaves.
It seems planted in coconut fiber strips but I'm not sure.
It appears as a compact mass.
I do not know how I will be able to re-pot, when it will be needed.
In addition, this causes me difficulty in assessing when to water.
It seems that it is preparing to bloom, I hope the attached photos will help you to give me some advise .
Thanks Nicola

It looks healthy enough. I think I would let it bloom and wait for new root growth before tackling that. Then try soaking it really well and prying off some of the pieces. Trouble is you may strip roots away too. if you can manage to stick a skinny bamboo kebab skewer into that mass, you could use it as a gauge as to when it is close to dry and needs water. I let my Cattleyas dry out before watering, but I wonder how something that tight can dry out. It seems happy tho.

I'd do as silken suggests. But it is a very nice plant. do post a pic when it blooms. I would like to see this cross.

Thanks Silken,
I agree with you on the substrate conditions,
and I'll try to insert some skinny stick.
I'm also considering to remove it from the pot and to keep it in a basket.
After the plant will have bloomed, fingers crossed, I will try to address the problem.
Ciao Nicola

I think the entire thing could stay out of the pot and just sit in a basket until you re-pot. It would dry thru a bit faster that way.

Thank you Shannon

I will be happy to keep this post updated with developments, and I really appreciate your advice

Nicola

Lucky find! I've had Psyche on my search list for a good while and haven't run across one.

Thanks Beth,
must be beginner's luck:biggrin:
especially considering the difficulty of finding orchids here in India.
Ciao Nicola

Update
 

I'm surprised by how fast it bloomed.
Although it is very different from the 'China' variety, I'm very happy with the color.
Now I'm curious to see how the plant will adapt to my condition.
It will have to bear the heat of the coming months, 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) at least.
And if all goes well, give me a new bloom, of which I will be able to take credit.
Ciao Nicola

Good 4 you! I'd be very happy with a plant that looks as lovely and wonderful color.