This Rhyncholaeliocattleya Wellesleyae flask is not a standard product, but really a starting point for a future collection. This is a limited batch of young plants (40-65 plants) that have just come out of in vitro and need to be unpacked and grown up further upon arrival.
What makes this cross interesting is the combination of two distinct lines: the cool, bluish tones of Cattleya lueddemanniana coerulea and the extremely fringed lip and strong fragrance of Rhyncholaelia digbyana . In previous batches, we see that this combination often results in plants with a striking contrast between form and color.
Origin
Rhyncholaeliocattleya Wellesleyae is a classic hybrid within the Cattleya alliance and consists of a 50/50 cross between Rhyncholaelia digbyana and Cattleya lueddemanniana.
One parent grows naturally in Central America with plenty of light and air circulation, while the other comes from Venezuela and is known for its flower shape and color variation .
This combination is also seen in the progeny: plants that can handle relatively high light, but at the same time can react sensitively to too wet conditions.
Characteristics
Because this is a flask of young plants, the value here is not in the end result you see immediately, but in what you grow up.
What we notice in similar lines
:
- In the first months after flasking out, root development is the critical stage
- Plants that stay too wet in the beginning fall out faster than average
- Strong specimens actually pull through remarkably well afterwards
In previous generations of this cross we saw that
:
- The influence of digbyana often causes strongly fringed lips and fragrance
- The lueddemanniana coerulea line sometimes passes on cooler shades or lighter flowers
- There is marked variation between plants within one batch (important for collectors)
This makes it not a uniform batch, but rather interesting if you want to self-select.
Care (flask → propagation)
Unpacking
This flask should be unpacked immediately upon arrival. Do not leave plants too long in the closed environment, as mold can quickly develop.
First stage
We find that a slightly moist, but very airy medium works best (e.g. fine bark + sphagnum, but not compact).
Note:
Too wet = greatest risk
Too dry = growth stops immediately
Light
Give lots of bright, indirect light. In practice, we see that young plants respond better to a little more light than typical seedlings, provided humidity is in order.
Temperature
Ideally between 20 and 28 °C. Fluctuations are reasonably tolerated, but stable conditions give significantly better results.
Humidity
Keep this high (70%+) in the early stages, but always with air movement. Stagnant air quickly gives problems.
Watering
In the first weeks, preferably a little too dry than too wet. Once new roots become visibly active, watering can be increased slowly.
Growth
The first visible acceleration in growth usually comes after several weeks to months. This is normal with flask plants.
Flowering (expectation)
This is not a fast bloomer. With good rearing, count on several years before the first flowering becomes visible.
What we see with similar lines:
Strong plants eventually develop into vigorous Cattleya-like specimens
Flowers are often large, distinct in shape and regularly fragrant (digbyana influence)
Selection within the batch makes a big difference in final quality
Note
This is a limited batch of flask plants. Variation between individuals is normal and part of the product.
This type of product is especially suitable for enthusiasts who want to breed, select and experiment themselves.
