Cattleya Fulvescens
Cattleya dowiana
Cattleya dowiana is a unifoliate species originating from Costa Rica, northern Colombia, and probably Panama. Plants grow on very tall trees, usually in bright, filtered light on large branches high in the crown of the tree or on bright spots on branches which overhang water. They are found at about 4600 ft. (1400 m), usually on mountain slopes which face the Caribbean.
Cattleya forbseii
Cattleya forbesii was once a common epiphyte in the coastal swamps and riverside forests from east of Rio de Janeiro to southwest of São Paulo. However, clearing land for agriculture has severely depleted the population. Plants are now found in small numbers in widely scattered locations that have not been cleared. The habitat lies in a narrow band almost parallel to the coast, and plants are seldom found very far inland. They normally grow at elevations below 150 ft. (50 m) in very shady conditions on the lower limbs of spreading trees.
Cattleya Fulvescens produces one to three flowers 2.5 to 4.5 in on an 4-6 inch inflorescence. Each new growth is up to 8 inches long with two leathery leaves measuring 6 to 8 inches. The flowers are long lasting and slightly fragrant. A trait inherited from it’s forbseii parent. The petals and sepals are light pink and rather delicate. Sepals are colored a deep magenta at the tips. The lip retains some of the shape of its forbseii parent though it gets its lip flair and ruffling from dowiana. Cattleya dowiana also passed on it’s delicate veinging within the lip.
Cattleya Fulvescens is a flower worth waiting for. From my expierience a well cultured plant will flower twice a year in early spring and fall. The plant does well when cultured in the same conditions as Cattleya forbseii. Though forbseii is very adaptable to greenhouse culture conditions, I suggest growing Cattleya Fulvescens in low light. 1500 to 2500 FC will cause robust growth and flowering. Plants should be grown in pots with course, open medium. As with all of the bifoliates, the roots must dry after watering. The course, open medium and good air movement are a must or root rot is inevitable.
Cattleya Fluvescense is uncommon in collections. I recently exhibited Fulvescens in an orchid show and it was awarded for cultural merit That Fulvescens is now, Cattleya Fulvescens ‘Andromeda’, and I’ll write about that later.
I believe it’s lack of popularity has to do with it’s less than showy nature. The flowers are small and do not scream for attention. I think it’s a beautiful little Cattleya. I have used it as a breeder and have seed from several crosses, including a cross with Lc Canhamiana Coerulea ‘Cobalt’ waiting for flasking. It has not been used in breeding much, however it has been crossed with Blc Lester McDonnald, Blc Ann Folis, and Blc Mem Helen Brown. Three large and significant breeders.
When crossed with Blc Lester Mcdonald, the progeny are green with Fulvescens’ delicate magenta veining in the back of the throat under the column. The grex is named Blc. Green Lady.
