Slc. Hsin Buu Lady 'Y.T.' AM/AOS

[baytownboy]

Hello,

I just got a Slc. Hsin Buu Lady 'Y.T.' AM/AOS. I would appreciate some help with anyone familiar with this orchid.

For starters, I have no idea what the name means. Can anyone break it down for me? I'm guessing that "AOS" might mean "American Orchid Society." But it's just a guess.

I've been told that the orchid is a member of the Cattleya Alliance, is very temperature tolerant and can grow indoors in a south facing window that doesn't get over 3000 foot candles.

Also, that it blooms in January/February. Here it is March and I'm hoping these two buds BLOSSOM. Also, that it might bloom again in the summer.

For your reference, I've attached 2 pictures of my orchid with its buds.

The third picture is of a Slc. Hsin Buu Lady in full bloom.

I thank you in advance for any additional information or recommendations.

Thank you.

Romulus

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hi Romulus,

Check out this RVO Link: Orchid Labels, How to decipher a Name.

Cheers,
BD

BTW - beautiful bloom.

[Becky15349]

Hi Romulus!

This is a member of the cattleyas, and likes the following things:

1. Lots of light!! Be careful though with the south window - the leaves could burn if they get direct sun for a long time. I keep a fan on my catts in a south window and that seems to help a lot.
2. Water thoroughly 1x-2x a week depending on how sunny the weather is - and make sure your media is not too compacted. Catts roots need to dry out thoroughly before you water them again. If in doubt, stick a finger down about an inch into the media and see whether or not it is still wet below the surface...if it is, wait a day or two to water again.
3. Air movement - a small fan near the orchids helps to keep them happy and prevent rot and mold.
4. Temperature - most cattleyas like it between 65-80F, but can tolerate colder. Temp is one of the less important things with catts - just don't keep them cold all the time, as they are native to warm climates and grow best that way.
5. Fertilizing - weakly, weekly. Use 1/2 or 1/4 the strength recommended on the fertilizer container, and fertilze at each watering if you can. Every 4th watering, switch to plain water to help flush out salt accumulation in the media.

Hope that helps!
~Becky

[clintdawley]

Such a nice, saturated color and a relatively small plant!

[Diane]

A very striking bloom. Slc's are easy growers, and should do well in a south facing window. Depending on the growing medium - bark, clay, moss, etc. you should water once a week on average, the plant likes to get dry before you water it again.

Good luck and be sure to post a photo of the blooms!