New red Cattleya (Circle of Life hybrid)
 

This is a seedling blooming for the first time, currently growing in a 4" clay pot. Very vigorous plant with 3 leads.

Parentage is (C. Circle of Life 'Valley Isle' x Rlc. Valley Isle Red 'Valley Isle'), which is from Exotic Orchids of Maui. PBs are just under 4" tall, and the flower is 5.1/16" NS.

I purchased it in a 2" pot in February 2019, so it only took 2 years to get it to BS. I have at least one more in bud, which should bloom in a couple of weeks.

Notice the way I hang it. That way I do not have to worry about disinfecting hangers against virus.

Kudos Kim. :goodjob

Nice one Kim. And that's a clever idea for the hanger.

I was always worried about the 'clip-on' hangers, as they clearly are in contact with roots inside the pot. Also, they cost 5-6 times as much as the simple 3 strand hangers.

For a while I was drilling holes in the pots, but in the smaller sizes, the pots break easily. Thus, the wire around the pot approach was born.

That's a beautiful red, Kim.

That is really pretty!