C. Harmill 'orange glow' x gur. aurantiaca 'mishima spots'

This cross is a masterclass in breeding for color. It's a deliberate effort to create an explosion of sunset orange, combining the genetics of two fantastic parents known for their vibrant hues.

Let's look at the family tree. The pod parent, Cattleya Harmill 'Orange Glow', is a primary hybrid between two tough Brazilian species. One is Cattleya harrisoniana, a robust coastal grower that lends vigor and waxy substance. The other is Cattleya milleri, a "rupicolous" or rock-dwelling species that lives in full sun and contributes the intense, fiery red-orange color and the trait of holding its flowers high on a tall spike.

The pollen parent is Guarianthe aurantiaca 'Mishima Spots'. Guarianthe aurantiaca is a classic species from Mexico and Central America, famous for being a cornerstone in breeding orange cattleyas. It passes on its high flower count and brilliant, clear orange color. This particular cultivar, 'Mishima Spots', adds another layer of intrigue, carrying the genetic potential to produce fine, attractive red spotting on the petals.

When you put these two together, you can expect a spectacular show. The offspring will produce impressive clusters of flowers, with anywhere from 5 to over a dozen blooms per stem. The flower color will be locked into that brilliant orange to orange-red spectrum. Thanks to the 'Mishima Spots' parent, some seedlings will likely emerge with delicate, pepper-like red freckles over the orange base—a highly desirable trait. The flower shape should be an improvement on Gur. aurantiaca, with the star-shaped influence of C. milleri helping them open into a flatter, more pleasing form. Each flower will be around 2-3 in. across, with a heavy, waxy substance that ensures they last for a long time.

The plant itself will be a compact to medium-sized grower, with upright, slender pseudobulbs topped with two tough, leathery leaves. It’s a very manageable size. Its heritage from sun-drenched, rocky environments makes it a resilient and strong grower, especially well-suited to our bright conditions here in Hawaii. With parents that bloom in both the fall and spring, these could potentially bloom twice a year once mature. As we're heading into September, we might even see some of the early ones thinking about putting on a show.

Care Instructions

Light: Provide high light. These plants thrive in conditions similar to standard Cattleya, but will appreciate more direct morning sun. Leaves should be a firm, light green.

Water: Excellent drainage is critical. Water thoroughly and then allow the medium to dry out completely. This hybrid's ancestry makes it very sensitive to root rot from being kept too wet.

Temperature: Intermediate to warm temperatures are ideal. This is a heat-tolerant cross that will perform well in a range of 60-90°F.

Humidity: Moderate humidity of 50-70% is sufficient. Crucially, it must be paired with strong air movement to keep the roots and leaves healthy.

Potting Medium: Use a very coarse, open, and fast-draining mix. A combination of large-grade fir bark, lava rock (cinder), and charcoal is perfect. They prefer to be grown in smaller pots for their size (under-potted) or in baskets to ensure rapid drying after watering.

 Currently available in blooming size only. Grown in 3" pots, and ready to be up-potted!