Rlc. Ports of Paradise 'Emerald Isle', other cattleya hybrids, April 2024

[@jordancosta4155]

The Emerald Isle Cattleya is so vibrant! I'm so not used to seeing green flowers. I wish I could smell it through the screen, lol

[@thegardeningbotanist]

I usually don't love green flowers but these are just out of this world! They are so vibrant and refreshing!

[@guaposaligna2758]

Isn't the color evolution of those Ports of Paradise blooms such a joy?

[@thegardeningbotanist]

Absolutely!

[@thanushannagendran803]

Heyy! Have you ever virus-tested your C. walkeriana hybrid? I know testing is expensive and not very accessible, but I would get it tested if possible. If not, I would keep it separate and make sure not to share water and keep an eye on pests also since they can transfer viruses. My friend who has a big collection just recently tested 6 of her orchids positive, and there seems to be no "virus-safe" nursery to order from (at least in Europe) since it's not a requirement to test the orchids. This might be the cause of your plant to present those abnormal flowers and might be the reason for its strange behaviour with the buds aborting. I'm just suggesting it might be the cause, I don't want to scare you! Hope you have a nice day!

[@thegardeningbotanist]

Thanks for the suggestion! That's a great idea! I didn't think of that! The test kits were kind of expensive when I thought about testing some of my other plants a while back. I think some nurseries are better in virus testing than others, like one of my favorites in South Jersey (Waldor). Wouldn't it be nice if there is a focus on virus resistant hybrid/species breeding!

[@thanushannagendran803]

@@thegardeningbotanist Yeah, I really wish the other nurseries were better at testing as well, but I guess it all breaks down to the extra expenses and the money that those companies don't want to spend. Virus-resistant hybrids and specoes sounds like an absolute dream! Having one less problem growing my favorite plants 🌞

[@thegardeningbotanist]

@@thanushannagendran803 One day if I open my own breeding program! A guy can dream haha