Cattleya tenebrosa in flower

[MPLS_paph]

Here’s Cattleya tenebrosa in flower. These blooms are on a growth matured at the end of last year that sat in sheath all winter. There’s a newer growth that came in over winter/spring (same lead) that is also in bud with three flowers that I expect will open in a few days.

The blooms are a lot smaller than I’d expected, but there’s no evidence that this plant bloomed before (no old sheaths or spikes on older pseudobulbs) so I hope it’ll increase flower size in future years.

I wonder if this plant will always mature two growths in a row in time to bloom simultaneously; that’d be a treat.

[rbarata]

I have a young tenebrosa that seems to be growing well, with a new growth under my care as well as lots of new roots.

From your words I assume it's the first blooms under you care.
I'm really interested in seeing a photo of the whole plant. Can you post one?

[MPLS_paph]

Yes, it’s the plant’s first bloom. Here’s a pic of the whole thing.

[dounoharm]

gorgeous!!

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by MPLS_paph

Yes, it’s the plant’s first bloom. Here’s a pic of the whole thing.

Thanks.
Mine still has a long way to go until bloom.

[MPLS_paph]

Originally Posted by rbarata

Thanks.
Mine still has a long way to go until bloom.

It looks like you're doing a good job based on those roots, though. Healthy roots inevitably lead to healthy flowers!

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by MPLS_paph

It looks like you're doing a good job based on those roots, though. Healthy roots inevitably lead to healthy flowers!

I lost last repot season on purpose but I never though it will grow such big roots.
I should have known because all my Catts grow roots like these (and these are small )

[isurus79]

I like the dark varieties, like this one. Congrats on the bloom!

[MPLS_paph]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I like the dark varieties, like this one. Congrats on the bloom!

Thanks! I really like the dark color, too. The flowers are only about 5” across, though, which surprised me because the plant has 4N parents.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by MPLS_paph

Thanks! I really like the dark color, too. The flowers are only about 5” across, though, which surprised me because the plant has 4N parents.

Give it some time!