Mini (?) Tan/Orange Cattleya ID
 

Hello!

I purchased this pretty thing about 2 months ago on a out-of-bloom rack for $2. She is labeled as Pot. Little Fortune 'Dancing Girl' - the only photo I've been able to find of this particular name is a pic of a bright yellow Catt with a red lip.

In my excitment of watching this plant grow, sheath, and eventually bud - I've been waiting in anticipation of seeing the magnificent yellow flower that she is labeled as.

To my surprise, this morning I find a tan/orange waxy type bloom with a deep magenta lip! The petals have an amazing multicolor glitter in light, and she has the fragrance of a flower shop! Equally as beautiful, but not what I was expecting. :)

I've attached #1) the flower she is labeled as, #2) a close up of what has bloomed and #3) a shot of the plant itself. The bloom is relatively small - about 2.5" across.

Does anyone know what this plant is named? Is it an actual Pot. Little Fortune 'Dancing Girl' and the photo I originally found is wrong?

Thank you!
Sue



http://web.me.com/sakori/Pot Little ...ncing Girl.jpg

http://web.me.com/sakori/Minicat2.JPG


http://web.me.com/sakori/Minicat1.JPG

Looks like you have the same one. The color may be different but the shape and lip are very similar. It could just be the lighting

Amount of light and temperature affect flower color but flowers in these shades often fade a bit as well. It may turn more yellow as it finishes opening.

Doesn't look like it's mislabelled to me.

Really? Hmmph - fooled me!

It's actually turning a deeper tan/brown as the day goes on. The orange and yellow hue has almost completely disappeared.

How does temperature after the blooms? This plant has been kept at 82F during the day, 72F at night, 60% humidity and ~3400fc.

Attached a non-cellphone pic from a few minutes ago! :biggrin:

Temperature and light both affect the formation of anthocyanins and they in turn affect the formation of reds, oranges, purples. Lower temps and higher light usually produce more of these. If this is the same plant then lower light and higher temps are more likely to produce yellow flowers.

The shape does look similar. I must say that I like yours better!

I might also add that first blooms after flask/seedlings are not quite like the more mature flowerings in the future. The remarks about cooler/warmer weather affecting the color are also true too.

Enjoy that gorgeous orchid!

Take care
May all your orchids bloom like crazy

Rex
aka POLKA

Hello!

About mature plants and flowering... this plant has a total of 5 pseudobulbs - 4 of which has a spike that had bloomed and been trimmed prior to me taking it home.

The 5th pseudobulb is not the newest - it is in the center of the plant's growth with 2 previously bloomed growths behind and in front of it! I thought Catts bloomed on new growth only? There is a new fresh growth just about ready to grow it's leaves - should I expect it to bloom from this growth next year?

The flower is now a rich toffee color with a bright yellow and deep magenta lip. Quite beautiful! :)