Rhyncolaeliocattleya Monthatip Gold ‘No.1’ (3.5” pot approx. 2 years to bloom)

New! This is another magnificent large flowered cattleya that originates in the outstanding breeding program of S. Noisuwan of Bangkok, Thailand. His efforts have helped to make Thailand the center for “art shade” cattleya types in recent years, building on the efforts of famous American breeders from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. We obtained these mericlones a couple of years ago, listed in four inch pots and “blooming size.” They were actually in 3.5” square pots and definitely not ready to bloom. We are seeing them selling online with similar misleading information. Our plants have made significant growth since we obtained them, but in our opinion will likely take two growing seasons to achieve flowering size. It is possible with good care that the next growth will make a lead toward adult size and shorten the wait. Striking, fragran golden yellow blooms with a widespreading lip exhibited red shading surrounding a distinct intense yellow throat and an exposed white column for additional contrast will come primarily late summer to late fall on plants that are reasonably compact for the size of the flowers. Hybrids such as this prefer bright, somewhat diffused light, and distinct drying between each watering cycle, especially in winter. We recommend that once these plants are starting to crawl out of their pots, they should be moved into large sized media with plenty of air space in between to facilitate quick drying. Be sure to repot ONLY when there are new roots being generated out of the newest growth on the plant.