Potinara (Pot.) Hsinying Pink Doll

The Potinara Hsinying Pink Doll is a fantastic compact Cattleya that’s always a treat to see. Potinara (Pot.) is an older hybrid name for a cross involving four different genera. Due to a lot of reclassification by the botanists, this hybrid is now officially a Rhyncholaeliocattleya, or Rlc. for short. But you’ll still see Potinara on tags everywhere—it’s a name that has stuck around.

This orchid is a great example of a modern compact hybrid, with a family tree that reads like a who's-who of the Cattleya alliance. It gets its small stature and vibrant color from the Brazilian species Cattleya coccinea (which used to be called Sophronitis coccinea). The classic, sweet fragrance and large flower size come from various large-flowered Cattleya species from South America. And that wonderfully frilly, ruffled lip is a gift from the one and only Rhyncholaelia digbyana, a native of Mexico and Honduras. It’s a truly international blend of the best traits.

The plant itself is a tidy, compact grower with stout pseudobulbs, each topped with a single, thick, leathery leaf. It’s a space-saver that delivers a big impact.

And the flowers are just spectacular. For such a small plant, the blooms are quite large, often 3 to 4 inches across. The color is a vibrant, deeply saturated fuchsia-pink that really catches the eye. The magnificent, frilly lip opens up to reveal a rich golden-yellow throat. On a sunny afternoon, you'll also notice its wonderful, sweet, citrusy fragrance. These are bred to be reliable bloomers, often flowering twice a year, and a late September blooming is right on schedule for this type of hybrid.

Care Instructions

Light: Provide bright, filtered light, the standard for Cattleya hybrids, around 2,500 to 4,000 foot-candles. An east, south, or west-facing window with some protection from the hottest direct sun is ideal. The leaves should be a firm, medium olive-green.

Water: This is critical for any Cattleya-type orchid. Water thoroughly and then allow the potting medium to dry out completely before watering again. The plant is much more tolerant of being too dry than being too wet.

Temperature: It is an intermediate to warm grower and is very adaptable. It is happiest with daytime temperatures between 70-85°F and a nighttime drop to 60-65°F. It can tolerate warmer temperatures with good air movement.

Humidity: Moderate humidity levels of 50% to 70% are ideal. Good air circulation is essential to prevent rot, especially after watering.

Potting Medium: Use a very coarse, fast-draining orchid mix, typically composed of large-grade fir bark, charcoal, and perlite or lava rock. It should be grown in a pot that is relatively small for the size of the plant to help the medium dry quickly. Repot every two to three years when the medium starts to break down.

Grown in 4" pots.