Cattleya Brabantiae, a cross between C. aclandiae and C. loddigesii, is really an old timer, originally created and registered by J. Veich & sons in 1863!! They were one of the original “greats” in orchid cultivation and hybridization in Great Britain. Of course this cross had been “recreated” so the plants one buys today are not from the original, but the name still applies. C. Brabantiae is a prolific bloomer, often flowering two or three times a year, and has a nice fragrance. C. Brabantiae has earned 26 AOS awards, has been a parent in 70 crosses, and a “grandparent” of 171 crosses.   

   Cattleya Bobker’s Kaleidoscope is a cross between C. Polychrome Mountain and C. Brabintiae. It was created by Jack Woltmon of Hawaii and registered by Robert Bobker of Seminole, Florida in 1986. It has not won any AOS awards, but it has been used as a parent in five crosses. This plant blooms on every new growth, so it blooms several times a year. The flowers last 2-3 weeks and are pleasantly fragrant.

      Cattleya Summer Spot. a cross between C. Summer Stars and  C. aclandiae is much newer. It was created and registered by Alan Koch of Gold Country Orchids in 2004. It earned a HCC/AOS in 2006, but alas, no “kids”. Summer Spot also blooms about twice a year, and is quite fragrant. The flowers last about 2-3 weeks. It is interesting to note how dominant the C. aclandiae is in this cross. C. Summer Stars is white and none of its ancestors is known for spots. Yet C. Summer Spot is definitely spotted!

All three of these orchids take after C. aclandiae and have “wanderlust”.  The rhizomes like to “sprawl” and grow outside the pot and it is very difficult to contain them. So I put each of them in a 12 inch cedar basket with osmunda fiber and let them “crawl” away. I have them sitting side by side, so I truly have spots, spots, and more spots! Now if  I could get them all to bloom at the same time…

If you are into spots with fragrance, then any or all of these would reward you nicely. Both C. Bobker’s Kaleidoscope and C. Summer Spot are available at Jade Orchids Click here.

Thank you to the Naples Daily News for its timely, prominent coverage of the show last Friday, and a special orchid to Editor Harriet Heithaus. Thanks too, to Connie Bransilver whose lovely “Ghost Orchid Classic” photo was loaned for our 50^th anniversary and show logo. www.ConnieBransilver.com

We’re grateful for our generous sponsors who helped us bear the expense of creating an event like this for our community and visitors to enjoy:

Craig Jones, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty;

Cheryl Deering, Quail West Realty;

Cynthia Carlson, Akerman Senterfitt;

Tim Wynn, Wynn’s Market;

Ralph Frengel, Downing-Frye Realty;

Molly Woodworth, Topcoat ‘N Tails and Fur, Fins & Feathers Sitting Service;

Tricia Rose, Auto Clinic of Naples, -Volvo Specialist;

Randy Hubbard, Randy’s Lawn Maintenance;

Michele Kief, Kief Wealth Management Group;

Linda Brand, German Services Property Management;

Stephen Smith, The Colony Group LLC;

Charles T. Ferber’s Law Office;

James W. Walker, P.A., CPAs.

 Our volunteers deserve special thanks for their time and energy to bring this show to full bloom, and orchid bouquets to AOS judges and our vendors from around the state. We are fortunate to have good friends of our Society.

There were many things to see and do over the weekend; it was a difficult choice. Naples Orchid Society is grateful to all who chose our event.