Laeliocattleya Santa Barbara Sunset ‘Showtime’ AM/AOS (4.5” pot near blooming size)

Return of a classic! We are totally thrilled to finally obtain a new batch of this fantastic orchid originally registered in 1980 and awarded a Highly Commended Certificate in 1983. In 2021 the flower quality award was elevated to an Award of Merit and in the years in between various individual plants of this orchid have received cultural awards bearing from 70 to nearly 300 flowers on mature specimens. Our inset photo shows our own plant obtained in a 2 inch pot about 15 years prior with 17 inflorescences and 70 flowers. That image was taken on New Year’s Day, but more typically flowers come a month or two later, just in time for winter orchid shows. The color is difficult to photograph but is usually pale peach with a pink overlay and a bright purple lip blazed yellow in the center. The many images of this orchid show that the exact color can vary somewhat with your growing conditions, but always they are gracefully displayed on long arching stems each with three to five blooms up to 4 inches across. This orchid is 3/4ths Laelia anceps and takes much of its growing habits from that species. Blooms spikes will start to show in new growths as early as the beginning of summer, but they will slowly develop throughout the season until the winter flowering. Plants are highly inclined to produce multiple leads that are spaced a bit closer together than the species itself. A very open mix, or basket culture is essential for the best results. Plants are quite temperature tolerant and can be grown outside year-round in areas with only light frosts or left outside until the first freeze is forecast in colder climates.