First love....

[LJA]

Back in 1989, I started working summers for two growers in Charlottesville VA, Pine Crest Orchids. It was repotting time, and they needed help doing all their Cattleyas. So I offered. I wasn't paid in money; I was paid in backbulbs. For a new grower, that to me was worth more than gold, and my orchid education had begun.

This is a division from one of the plants I was given in those early days. It's called Blc. Mem. Helen Brown 'Sweet Afton' AM/AOS. We don't sell many Cattleyas now unless they're divisions off of one of those early plants. But they still make up the greatest portion of our personal collection.

Here's a pic:

[LJA]

--and a close up of the bloom:

[OrchidTraci]

I absolutely love the color. Anything in chartruse is so exotic. What are the requirements for Cattleyas? Close to Laelias?

[LJA]

Traci, exactly like Laelias. Lots of bright light, sun in the early mornings and early evenings but none in the middle of the day, and the roots deed to dry slightly between waterings.

I think your house now would be perfect for them!

[Paphraguy]

I don't grow those but the pictures are beautiful! Did you take those pictures?

[LJA]

Just this afternoon, Peter! Not bad eh?

Heh.

I'm gettin' there... thanks to you!

[Paphraguy]

They are actually quite good, almost magazine front page quality.

[LJA]

Wow. Thanks!

That means a lot, coming from you.

I'm still a little hit-or-miss with it though. Haven't developed a "technique" yet that's reliable on a regular basis....

[OrchidTraci]

Originally posted by lja
Traci, exactly like Laelias. Lots of bright light, sun in the early mornings and early evenings but none in the middle of the day, and the roots deed to dry slightly between waterings.

I think your house now would be perfect for them!

Good, because the one I won from the raffle is a laelia. It should do well then.

[Gilda]

Great pictures.....and a beautiful catt! Is it fragrant?