Cattleya Ned Nash (Cattleya jenmanii x Cattleya dowiana aurea)

[raybark]

Many moons ago, Andy Easton sent me a ton of seedlings on consignment. Most sold out immediately, but this was something of a runt. My culture at the time was not particularly favorable to cattleyas - insufficient light, particularly - and as I have since learned, I was overfeeding the crap out of everything.


Two years ago, this was a 2-growth "survivor" with 2" & 4" leaves in a 3" pot of decomposing medium. I moved it into a basket of #5 Orchiata that I hung high in the greenhouse, switched it to a steady diet of only 25 ppm N K-Lite, with the occasional (every 4-6 weeks) dose of KelpMax @ 1 Tbsp/gal, and today there are 30 growths with 4 growth fronts.

[78Terp]

Ray- Pretty catt ! Would love to see more of the plant!

I can't wait to start seeing the K-Lite benefits for myself!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Lovely.
cheers,
BD

[raybark]

I had the Goodyear blimp fly over for this aerial shot:

[78Terp]

Drones are the coming thing!

[Wade's Orchids]

Very nice, Ray. My plants also seem to like the K-Lite.

[raybark]

I'll tell you what, Wade.

The K-Lite concept was based upon two, totally disparate concepts, totally unrelated to orchids: toxicity in freshwater mollusks, and glass & ceramic systems - both of which have "issues" with excessive potassium. When I started using it on my own plants (3 years ago next week), I was quite concerned that I'd see deficiencies. I have not, but HAVE seen improved growth in a wide range of plants.

[catttan]

Lovely and very healthy plant.

[Halloamey]

What a amazing flower, reminds me of Hardyana.

[kspalding]

Always love a good survivor story. Congrats!