Blc. Chia Lin 'New City' AM/AOS youngster

[CR7cristiano]

Got this extremely healthy plant today from the farm. Its a young and very strong plant with more than 10 pseudobulbs and one open bloom & a new lead about halfway to full size & even better another sheath with 2-3 buds in it. I chose this one because it had character; even though the bloom had some signs of trauma and maybe some water damage, the rest of it was robust and absolutely healthy. You can see how massive the lip is on this guy already, you can imagine what is to come as it matures.
Taking a look at its petals you can see its young as we don't quite have those broad and lovely ruffled petals yet; but you begin to see some signs.
But man the lip simply said "Look at me! I'm going to be a beast"
So would just like to share this new addition to my collection.
Of course more pics to come when the new buds emerge from the other fully developed sheath!

[tuvoc]

Well done.

Kim

[CR7cristiano]

Originally Posted by tuvoc

Well done.

Kim

I honestly believe I am quite lucky to find this very plant; in a weird way it epitomizes my start in this orchid growing hobby.

[Oscarman]

I really like this plant and have a couple in my collection. Yours will no doubt start to produce spectacular displays very soon.

[silken]

Nice find and bloom!
I've had this one for close to two years but it is one of the slowest growers I have ever seen. I got it from Paramount. Dave, did any of yours come from there? Are yours slow or do you have any tips? It gets the same treatment as my other Catts and has good roots and was recently re-potted. But it was slow before that and is still slow!

[CR7cristiano]

Thank you both. I am very pleased with my purchase indeed. I actually have recently gotten a call from the orchid nursery about another Cattleya a HUUUGE one in a 10" pot that they told me wasnt for sale; but had them ask and they called me this morning to say I can get it and they will hold it for me.
But this 'New City' really is a strong and fast grower. Well at least the ones i see at the nursery and of course this one I have gotten from Mr. Hamilton's. I go weekly to check if their are any new blooms or if any previously closed blooms have opened and the 'New City's' new growths and sheaths develop incredibly fast.
Silken I think you need to increase your fertilizing of the plant. Mr. Hamilton fertilizes everyday and he has been doing this longer than you and I both. You're a catt person so if their is anything you should know, it is that most are vigorous growers, love very bright light, and when in active growth they need alot of assistance by means of fertilizer to maintain a strong & healthy growth habit. In the wild; and i have been doing a lot of research on this Catts are able to get alot of nutrients from the rains, the stones and trees they attach themselves to and the bird droppings as you know south america has tons of bird species as well year round. So it is important that even if you do not water everyday as it doesn't rain every day all year round in the rain forests of South America you must give it those nutrients regularly as they receive them quite often in the wild.
Try this and tell me your results in the next 2 months!
P.S. Always flush with water regularly

[silken]

Maybe I don't treat it 'special 'enough! It does get regular feeding along with all my other orchids. I use rainwater and MSU as well as occasionally adding Epsom salts and some kelp solution. It gets lots of light and more than ever this summer since we didn't manage to get our shade cloth on till mid or late July and I was worried sick about scorching things. Everything did fine surprisingly. I am thinking I might try to find it a bit warmer place for the winter as it is a fairly warm grower compared to many. That may be it, But summers are very warm and sunny here and in the greenhouse and its just our winters that my plants have to grow a bit cooler. I may move this one to a heat mat.

[CR7cristiano]

Ahh....how could I forget that you are in Canada; can anyone say coooold. Yes they are verry particular about day & night time temperatures. Unlike some orchids that are forgiving of lower temperatures, these guys aren't. And yes this means they will grow very slowly because it doesn't want to use up all its food made in the photosynthesis process given exposures to colder temperatures. Fertilize everyday during active growth and keep temperatures between 66-85 degrees Fahrenheit at nights and never below that.
Chia Lin is composed of species of which 100% take warm temperatures, 71% take hot temperatures and 18% take cool temperatures. Grow this hybrid in warm to hot conditions, or 66°F to 85°F at night.

[Cattleya17]

Ahh this post brings back memories! This was my first ever cattleya orchid! I will never forget the fragrance in this plant! Knock your socks off fantastic! I have a plant currently and it hasn't bloomed for me yet it has the best root system it was repotted this spring and has already filled the pot with roots circling the inside if the pot. I hope for it to bloom next year! I am yearning to smell that fragrance again it's been almost 8 years since I've seen this flower in person and sniffed that glorious scent. Enjoy it!!!

[CR7cristiano]

It almost has a smell of roses....I reall am excited for the new buds developing in another sheath right now!