This cycnoches is one of the more recently discovered species, and is being used in hybridizing in order to impart floriferus sprays, yellow color, good form, and small plant stature.
The flowers on this plant, which bloomed in late December 2006 on its first blooming, measure 2 inches across. This young plant was only 3-1/2 inches tall when I took this photo. When the plant matures, I expect lots of flowers on long sprays. One of the neat things about this species is the beautifully symmetrical arrangement of the flowers around the raceme, with the flowers neatly facing four directions. The flowers also sport a very interesting palmate lip, with 'fingers' projecting around the central disc. This clone has good yellow coloring; some of these plants make flowers with more green in the shading. Fragrance is almost imperceptible, contrary to some descriptions of the species I have found on the net and in the literature.
This clone has larger, flatter flowers than the well-known clone 'Golden Ring.' Fred Clarke bred the pictured plant from his 'Sunset Valley Orchids' selection and one called 'Cindy Hill.' Thanks, Fred!
Culture is pretty standard for this species-- even moisture, warmth, and good light and a regular source of nitrogen. The plants form medium height, slender bulbs compared to species such as chlorochilon and warscewiczii. Leaves are graceful and long, medium green. As for potting, use small pots and something well-draining as a medium. Straight New Zealand sphagnum works fine, but repot yearly and watch for salt buildup. I like to mix sphagnum with bark and rocks (diatomite), charcoal, etc., to help open up the mix a bit. In late summer and autumn, when the growth has plumped out and no further pseudobuld development is evident, cut back strongly on the watering, letting the mix dry between waterings. This will help prevent bulb rots. Step up the water when spikes form, then drop back again when the flowers are gone. As the leaves yellow, cut back further and further, and then cease watering completely when all the leaves have fallen. I only very rarely if ever water during dormancy. The plants never seem to need it anyway, and some shriveling of the bulbs does no harm and may even be normal for these plants. Pests? Yes. Watch for the ubiquitous red spider and other types of spider mites. In some years these can be a nuisance, whereas at other times they can be very manageable. Just remember that your plants WILL get them at some point, and you need to take care of them immediately. IMMEDIATELY!
