Cattleya Maxima
I had a wonderful time shopping one day with an orchid friend a year or two ago. She generously passed on this Maxima and it was so large I couldn't leave it behind. It didn't bloom right off inspite of many sheaths, so eventually I split it into three pieces. This section, the largest, suprised me recently with buds. Today the first of the flowers has opened. It began yesterday and at first I thought the plant had a wrong tag. They started out so pale I thought they would be semi alba. But overnight the color came into it...
This piece now has 25+ p-bulbs. It is in a 10 inch basket lined with coco fiber, large bark and some charcoal. I think with the paler colors this one may be a "lowland" variety of the Maxima species. Lowland Maxima are paler in color, have longer leaves and tolerate warmer temperatures. The Maxima that grow in the "highland" group can be found at higher elevations, require more sunlight, are less tolerant of high temps and have much more vibrant coloring. They also have a more compact growth habit.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Halloamey
