new Cattleyas

Top: Cattleya Black Jack; Middle: Cattleya Emerald Green; Bottom: Cattleya Walkeriana

I acquired these Cattleyas from Song very recently. The owner, Mr Phua had recently relocated out of Woon Leng to another plot which isn't too far off. It's a good move because it's cleaner and a lot more spacious. Even Mr Phua, his family and workers have got more space and proper shelter to rest in. As usual, the offering was aplenty and it was all very tempting. In particular, I was rather taken by this Phalaenopsis hybrid (P. fasciata and something else) which is named after some guy and has tiger stripes. Unfortunately, the cost deterred me. So I made do with these cattleyas which Mr Song says are a must for cattleya collectors.

Cattleya burana beauty

Of all the various genera of orchids which exist in the world today, the one which I love and enjoy the most has to be the Cattleya. There is something very exotic and spectacular about the luscious and flamboyant blooms, many of which are large and fragrant. It's no wonder that the Cattleya is often referred to and is often used as a corsage. 

The burana beauty is one such example. They are also amongst the easiest of orchids to grow, with most being very tolerant of poor conditions and neglect. The fact that mine flowers without the need for fertiliser is proof of that!