Dtps Taiwan Red Cat 'Red Cat' take 2: smears on sepals

[ElenaMarie]

Hi!

Carter and Holmes sent me two Red Cats to replace the one that did not have the splash pattern (gotta update that thread, wow!)

Both of the new Cats have buds, and the #3 Cat's buds are pretty good size. Examining those buds carefully, I'm seeing a faint greenish-cream smear on the sepals that extends from the base of the sepal at least 2/3rds of the way up the sepals. The previous plant's buds did NOT have that marking.

I've tried to get a photo of the smear but I don't have a camera that can focus on it. As the bud grows I'll keep trying to get a shot of it.

I'm thinking that the smear may be the initial hint that the blooms will have the Red Cat splash pattern. We'll find out!

The #2 Red Cat's buds are still pretty small and aren't showing any smear yet.

The wait begins again. . ..

[silken]

Wow 2 replacement plants-very nice! The green might be where there is less pink in the splash pattern so it sounds hopeful! Keep us posted.

[ElenaMarie]

I was stunned when I found two of the Red Cats in the box. I called and they meant to send two--I thought it might have been a mistake. I sure hope both of the new ones have the Red Cat splash.

The Red Cat that reverted is a very pretty bloom, I'm not unhappy with it, just disappointed that it isn't the dramatic splash pattern.

If that greenish-cream smear is a sign of the splash you'll know what to look for when you get buds on that spike. C&H said about ten percent of their Red Cats are reverting so odds are in both our favor. Fingers crossed for you!

[silken]

I too was told about 10% are not splashed. So its good to hear the same thing from another vendor and not 50% or something. Keep us posted.

[ElenaMarie]

Finally got a couple of pictures of the "smear."

The second image was modified to increase contrast so the smear is easier to see. The first image is raw. Neither shows the smears as light as they really are but it'll give you the idea, silken.

[sweetjblue]

Looks like you might have a winner with this one!!!

Judi

[ElenaMarie]

Originally Posted by sweetjblue

Looks like you might have a winner with this one!!!

Judi

Woohoo!

I just checked--the #3 Red Cat's largest bud is just barely open! It's starting! Whew, I don't have to wait much longer.

Plus, the #2 Red Cat is showing the beginnings of the smear so if the smear is indicative of the splash pattern I'm going to have two splashers!

Yes, I'm ridiculously excited. I sooooooooooooooooooo hope at least one has the splash.

I'm wondering whether the splash blooms will be as large as the reverted Cat's blooms. That plant has some nice-size blooms. It's easily the largest flowers I have.

It's easier to tolerate the end of my outdoor gardening life when I have such beautiful blooms inside, and so much delicious anticipation to flavor the bitterness. . ..

[ElenaMarie]

I just found this photo of member lupita's Red Cat. Note the bud on the right-hand spike. My smears aren't that light in color but perhaps the buds aren't old enough.

Anyway, looks more and more like the smears are the clue.

[silken]

Those smears on your bud look like splash colour to me! I hope it's everything you are anticipating!

[ElenaMarie]

Hi Folks!

Turns out the smears on the sepals are definitely the clue to whether a plant has the Red Cat splash. The first bud on Cat #3 is just starting to open and it has the splash! I don't know how extensive it is at this point but I do know it's definitely the splash.



If you're looking to purchase a Red Cat and it's in bud, look for the greenish-cream smear on the sepals to make sure you're getting the splash type.

Photo to come when it's opened!