What is a compact Cattleya that blooms in summer?
 

I am going to my first orchid show this weekend. I would like to get a miniature/compact cattleya that blooms in summer and is red, orange, yellow, and/or green. Any recommendations?

Only Catt alliance I know off the top of my head that blooms in summer is Encyclia tampensis. But then again my knowledge of this alliance is pretty limited. And it isn't any of the colors you mentioned. But hey, it's hard to find much that blooms in June and July. :) And this one is certainly compact (if you see one that isn't compact it is probably a stray hybrid or species from the Bahamas that wandered into the Everglades). Happy hunting!

Cattleya aclandiae is small, compact, unusual, easy, fragrant. I am not certain when it blooms as I have a seedling, and it might not be what you had in mind but it is small. You might enjoy looking at the websites of Sunset Valley Orchids (under compact cattleyas) and Hausermann's under miniatures for more ideas. Have fun at the show!

Here is the link for the C. Aclandiae: IOSPE PHOTOS

Here is the link for Sunset Valley Orchids: Sunset Valley Orchids - Grower and hybridizer of quality orchids, Vista CA

any of the jewel box orchids are great! scheherezade, dark waters....also potinaras tend to be not so leggy as the standard cattleyas....i love blc golden tang 'tiger' too....its very compact growing....i cosider compact as a catt thats up to 12" and has an upright branching growth habit....gl and have fun!

You probably won't find many summer blooming cattleyas at the show. Vendors usually bring orchids to the show that are blooming now. I agree with leafmite, Sunset Valley Orchids is a good source for mini-catts. Another one is Marble Branch Farms. A few of the smaller cattleyas bloom on and off throughout the year. I have one called Blc. Hawaii Stars that blooms four times a year and does bloom during the summer.

Ok maybe I'll look for something else at the orchid show if I can't find what I'm looking for.
Does anyone know where I can buy a Potinara 'Sweet Cherry'? I've been looking online for one for a LONG time and can't find one for sale anywhere! I really want one!

Does anyone know of a cattleya or cattleya relative that is compact, one or more of the above colors and blooms in fall? I know Potinara 'Sweet Cherry' is one of them...

Try Lc. Tropical Pointer 'Cheetah'... mine blooms several times a year (with its biggest flowering in summer!) and the spots are just awesome! It has a compact, clump-like growth pattern... mine isn't more than a foot tall, and not much taller when in bloom. Its a GREAT little plant!