Brazilian Laelia (Cattleya) Bud Watch

[Roberta]

Laelia (Cattleya) purpurata season is getting close! Here is L. purpurata f. schusteriana (a semi-alba form) - first the root porn (there was a clay pot, then a plastic basket, solid roots in between) and then the buds. This is not a mini... plant is about 24-30 inches (61-76 cm), the sheaths are at least 6 inches (15 cm), maybe more. There's one sheath with 3 buds peeking out, and behind it on another growth (you can barely see it) another spike with 2 buds. Not sure if there are more, it's hanging up pretty high and I don't want to take it down until it blooms. Then, there's Laelia (Cattleya) lobata f. alba. Smaller, but I count 4 spikes with 4 buds each. That's going to put on a good show too. This is just the start...