Blc. Waianae Leopard 'Ching Hua'

[tucker85]

This is an intensely fragrant bifolate cattleya. Possibly the most fragrant of all my cattleyas. It’s still a small plant and this is the first time it’s bloomed. I’ve seen large specimens of this orchid and they can be very impressive with lots of flowers.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1043303...44859870600162

https://picasaweb.google.com/1043303...44853772223522

[Bud]

WOW! such lovely splash of colors....the shapes, textures and form is just delightful

[dounoharm]

one of my very fav catts!! what a nice big cluster you have, good growing!!!

[WhiteRabbit]

Fabulous!

[Zoi2]

Gorgeous, how are you growing it?
I've had one for about 5 years now that I cannot get to bloom.
Joann

[silken]

Wow, that's wild! Did you get it from Ching Hua??

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by silken

Wow, that's wild! Did you get it from Ching Hua??

No, I'm pretty sure I bought it from Carmela Orchids. But it was very small and took a couple of years to bloom.

[Daethen]

What a beauty!!!!

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by Zoi2

Gorgeous, how are you growing it?
I've had one for about 5 years now that I cannot get to bloom.
Joann

Joann, the only thing I can think of is to give it a little more light. I grow mine like any other cattleya. Dry out between waterings, fertilize weakly, weekly.

These bifolate cattleyas don't like to be repotted. They can sometimes refuse to bloom for a couple of years after repotting.

[Daethen]

Well, thanks to you, Tucker, I just ended up buying one of these in bud. Why do I look at all the pretty pictures on these forums? (Shakes head)