Lc. Green Veil "Dressy" Cattleya

[Mercedes]

Hi y'all,

So I went to Lowe's today to get some sphagnum moss, and found a new orchid friend to follow me home. I got one with all buds still closed, but it looked so healthy, I bought it on faith. Weirdly enough, within 30 minutes, a bud began to open. What an omen!

Anyway, I found photos of my new orchid online, but wondered if anyone had any interesting info on this breed to share with me. I'm so excited that it's a green orchid! I can't wait until this new bloom opend the rest of the way! I'll post pics once it does.

[Tobi]

Hi Mercedes,
You've got quite a pretty Laeliocattleya there! Although I couldn't find specific
information on that hybrid, I pretty sure it has the same culture conditions as
any other. Water about once a week while actively growing. They like to almost dry out completely not not quite. Bright light but keep it filtered if the sun is
strong. Good air circulation and feed every other watering while actively growing. Cut back on the fertilizing after flowering.
Here's a link of a pic of the bloom so you can show everyone how pretty it
is
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...lDressy007.jpg

[charleyismydog]

That is indeed a pretty one. Congrats!

[jerrymeola]

It has been on the gallery for two years now. You did not have to buy blind.

It is slightly larger than what I call a semi-miniature. The plant should stay under 12 inches with 3 1/2 inch flowers.

It does not require any special care and grows like all the other Cattleya hybrids.

[Vivienne]

Really stunning! My Blc. Hawaiian Passion is just about to start laboring. It too is a green Catt but with yellow/cream lip. I can't wait!!

[Mercedes]

Yeah, I could have researched it, but that's what makes it an impulse buy!

Plus, I love a little mystery when the buds are still closed.

So as of this morning I had three blooms opening up. I set this Catt next to my Phals in a west facing room with french windows, my breakfast room. Is the Catt going to need more light than the Phals? Should it be on the windowsill? Also, I didn't know any better when I bought it, but it looks like the psuedobulbs are a bit shrivelled, and covered in a papery vellum-type layer. Should I worry about it, or do anything other than misting in the AM and regular waterings? I read several culture sheets, but I'm still a little unsure.

[Tobi]

Mercedes,
Yes it's going to need more light than your Phals. Bright light but not intense
sunlight is fine. If the pseudobulbs are slightly shrieveled it might need more
watering. Being in Ala. in the summer, they might dry out a bit more. Feel the
pot they're in and if it feels light than water. Misting will help if it's really hot
where they're at. Good air circulation is also beneficial.

[jerrymeola]

The Cat needs more light to flower but once the bud has set you can even move it away from the window (looks great on the dinning room table or a bedroom)

I want to point out the recommended light levels are for flowering and almost all orchids can grow in rather low light levels.

The shriveled pbulbs are normal and the papery sheath was to protect the new growth as it developed. You can remove it or leave it - your choice - the plant will not care.

[sandra]

Breathtakingly beautiful Mercedes. Lucky you! I'm helping one grow now, Hawaiin Passion that will make her appearance next spring. Please post pics when this blooms. Hmmmm, I think I'll have to check out my Lowes and see what's available....

Enjoy your beautiful new catt.

[Vivienne]

Sandra - I didn't know you had a Hawaiian Passion too? Mine's is just going in to labor on one sheath and the other is coming along. With a little luck all 6 blooms will be open at once. Thinking this weekend the first one will be opening. Fingers crossed!!!! I can already smell it... faintly.

[sandra]

And guess what Viv? I didn't know you had one either! We're twins! She's the smallest of all my catts. I went on a catt spree a few months ago, bought 8 in one week. This is the smallest one in the bunch and is growing lots lately....gotta love this thick, muggy, hot, sweaty, beyond humid, sun beating Florida weather for something

You HAVE TO post pics of yours Vivienne....please!

Here's mine, uninteresting at this point but nevertheless, here she is....

[Vivienne]

Great minds buy alike!

Here's mine all ready to open up!

[sandra]

Originally Posted by Vivienne

Great minds buy alike!

Here's mine all ready to open up!

Beautiful plant without the flowers Vivienne. I love the way it's grown, the shape of the ps.bulbs, especially the one on the left with the 3 buds....so pretty and graceful. Was this blooming size when you got it? Really looking forward to seeing the blooms!

[Vivienne]

Sandra - I bought it with one sheath popping out 2 buds and the other sheath still closed. So yep - blooming size.