Two white cattleya orchids in bloom

[Janet]

L purpurata alba: blooms are smaller than usual this time, not sure why.



BC Island Charm 'OC': very fragrant, second time the plant has bloomed for me.

[Roy]

Both very nice. The Island Charm is a "want one" for me.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Both very nice. The Island Charm is a "want one" for me.

I agree and I want that second orchid too! hahaha... Love these blooms, Janet.

cheers,
BD

[catttan]

Both beautiful. Island Charm with the yellow accents is simply gorgeous.

[Michael Saar]

Does this L. purpurata bloom often in the fall?

[Janet]

Yes--it always blooms in the fall. Not sure if this is because it's outside for the summer or not. They're supposed to bloom in the spring, but this one just wants to be different.

[tucker85]

They're both beautiful! I agree with the others that Island Charm is one for the wish list. I've always struggled with Laelias and I'm working hard to learn how to grow them. Good job.

[Halloamey]

Gorgeous !! I have to look for an alba purpurata !!

[lakshmanamoorthy]

Beautiful.

[eorchids]

Beautifuls blooms.

Strictly, this type of purpurata should be named "var. virginalis" (even if it is a true alba form) since the "var. alba" was described by Veitch for a flower that is not a true alba (pink veins in the lip, maybe Veitch was drunk !!!). The history takes precedence over the reality of the flower !

Laelia purpurata var. virginalis

Laelia purpurata var. alba Veitch