Cattleya Alliance Species

This is a clone of the species that is about half the size of other plants. It's identity has been questioned, however. It ranges through the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and into South America.

This bloomed last summer with three flowers on two new growths, but I have not yet had a chance to post any of the pictures I took then. The species is from Brazil and both plant and flowers are four inches in size. It is one of the more spectacular Laelias and is related to the better known Cattleyas. And, yes, I know that it is now classified as a Sophronitis, but I cannot get used to the new names and continue to use the older names. More information and photos here: orchidsinbloom-ron.blogspot.com/2012/07/laelia-sincorana....

Homalopetalum pumilio is another tiny orchid species from Mexico, Central and South America. It is related to Cattleya but dwarfed by its larger cousin. The individual growths are only half an inch tall, but the flowers are two and half inches or more in size. orchidsinbloom-ron.blogspot.com/2012/10/homalopetalum-pum...

Epidendrum escobarianum is from Ecuador and is related to the big floral Cattleyas rather than the Masdevallias I so often post. The plant is attractive not only for its unusual flowers but for its beautiful foliage, seen here. I have been away since Monday and this is the first opportunity I've had even to access the Internet, so I am way behind in commenting. Will catch everyone up with comments and awards when I am home again later in the week. orchidsinbloom-ron.blogspot.com/2011/09/epidendrum-escoba...

Often referred to as the "Tulip Orchid," this wonderful species has pendant flowers with a strong citrus scent. It is not the easiest orchid to grow, however, and is not often seen. Also, for the benefit of the purists, I do know that the name has been changed to Prosthechea citrina, but prefer to use the old names since I cannot remember all the new names. This beautifully grown specimen is not mine but was exhibited at the Northwest Orchid Society Show in Shoreline earlier this spring.

This miniature orchid bloomed again for me recently, but I've been very disappointed in it - I expected much better form than this. The photo turned out better than the flower, in my opinion.

Photographed at the 2011 Mount Baker Orchid Society Show in Mount Vernon, Washington. This is a tall plant, much too large for me to grow, but a very easy orchid for warmer conditions and one that blooms profusely if given good light. orchidsinbloom-ron.blogspot.com/2011/03/mount-baker-orchi...

This small orchid species is native to Jamaica where it grows at high elevations in the Blue Mountains. It has always been considered to be related to the larger Cattleyas, but recent studies have suggested that it is more closely related to the Pleurothallids. The flowers are 3-4 cm in size on a plant that is about 15 cm tall with very thin pseudobulbs and narrow leaves. It is best grown mounted, and with cool temperatures and plenty of water. orchidsinbloom-ron.blogspot.com/2011/09/neocogniauxia-mon...

Sobralia is a genus of Central and South American orchids that tend to be large plants with very short-lived flowers, the flowers often lasting only a day - short-lived but very delicate and beautiful. They are far too large for me to grow, and the plant shown here was photographed at the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton. The plant is part of the collection of the Orchid Species Preservation Foundation, a volunteer group that does all it can to preserve the orchid species that have been in the collections of people who are no longer able to take care of their collections and want to donate them. The group uses the premises of Muttart and has a huge collection of species in three growing areas, cool, intermediate and warm. We visited there the last time we were in Edmonton at the invitation of a friend. ronaldhanko-orchidhunter.blogspot.com/2011/08/muttart-con...