Epicattleya Rene Marques 'Tyler'

[sammywolffox]

Three of my favorite orchids happened to be in bloom so I thought I would share a little information on why these are among my favorites. On the left is Epicattleya Rene Marques 'Tyler'. This plant bloomed for the first time in February. I really liked the form and color. To my surprise I saw new buds develop just as the original blooms faded. I checked with the breeder and found that it is not uncommon for these to re-bloom on an existing stalk for several years. The re-bloom often coincides with blooms on new growth. In the middle is Maxillaria tenufolia. Each year this orchid is covered with blooms and the fragrance fills the room. This year I have 32 blooms. The final orchid is Cattleytonia Capri 'Lea'. I have had this orchid for three years. It blooms on new growth. Last year it was in bloom for eight months. This year it is continually producing new shoots and may well stay in bloom all year!
I have just finished a major war with scale. For several weeks I was not winning. If anyone had told me you could have scale nightmares, I would have told them they were crazy-------but I battled these little monsters in my sleep.

[catttan]

Lovely. I can see why they are among your favourites. Congrats for your victory over scales. I've been battling them for over 50 years; have won several battles but have never won the war. The persistent b........keep on coming back and the nightmares never end.

[pavel]

Looking good, Dean!

[sammywolffox]

I overstated my victory over scale. I have the monsters well under control but I have no doubt they will be back. When I was being defeated by scale, I contacted a breeder I respect. He recommended that I use two products in unison. I excitedly looked up the products on the internet. The first cost $391.00 per quart and the second $424.00--------- I decided to stay with traditional methods.

[angela]

Three beautiful blooms, and a very nice display. As for the scale, don't know which war is worse the scale or the Thrips. If I ever win mine will let you know.
Good Luck.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Updated the title to name the orchid in the photo, Dean. Sorry to hear about the scale issues. It is so horrible. I feel your agony. I got home from a brief trip and had to spray yesterday afternoon. Scale attacking my cattleya orchids is relentless.

cheers,
BD

[Katherine]

Ha,Haha! You beat me to it Dean! I just bought an Epc. and it i in bloom. Just haven't taken the pix yet, was waiting for the 3rd bud open. I love this one!