Rlc. Alma Kee ‘Thipmalee’

Rlc. Alma Kee ‘Thipmalee’ is a classic and highly awarded Cattleya hybrid, celebrated for its brilliant, high-contrast colors. The large, fragrant flowers are simply stunning. They feature broad, overlapping petals and sepals of a pure, vibrant, canary yellow. This bright yellow provides the perfect canvas for the spectacular lip, which is a rich, saturated magenta-fuchsia. The throat of the lip is brushed with deep yellow, featuring fine, intricate red-purple venation. The plant is a vigorous grower, producing robust pseudobulbs topped with thick, bright green leaves, and it reliably blooms on a strong spike.

Quick Start

Light: Bright, filtered light (2500-4000 foot-candles). Temps: Intermediate to warm. 60-70°F nights and 75-85°F days. Water: Water thoroughly when the media is completely dry. Humidity: Prefers 50-70%. Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer regularly during active growth; reduce in winter. Media: Extremely coarse and open mix (e.g., large-grade fir bark, lava rock).

🌺 Orchid Lore & Discovery

Rlc. Alma Kee is a famous hybrid registered by Miyamoto in 1975. It is a cross between Cattleya Alma and Rlc. Cheah Bean-Kee. This hybrid's genetic background is heavily influenced by Cattleya dowiana (making up nearly 40% of its ancestry), which passes on the magnificent yellow coloration and the intricate venation within the lip. The ‘Thipmalee’ cultivar (also seen spelled 'Tipmalee') is a particularly famous clone, having received an Award of Merit (AM) from the American Orchid Society for its superior flower size, shape, and color.

🌿 How to Grow Rlc. Alma Kee ‘Thipmalee’

Light This plant requires bright, filtered light to thrive and bloom. An east-facing window with morning sun or a shaded south-facing window is ideal. If grown under artificial lights, it should be placed in a high-light position. The leaves should be a light, apple-green color; dark green leaves often indicate insufficient light for flowering.

Temperature Rlc. Alma Kee ‘Thipmalee’ performs best in intermediate to warm conditions. Ideal daytime temperatures range from 75-85°F, with a recommended nighttime drop to 60-70°F. This 10-15°F differential between day and night is important for initiating a healthy bloom cycle.

Water Proper watering is key. This orchid must have its roots dry out completely between waterings. Its thick pseudobulbs and roots are designed to store water, making it very susceptible to rot if kept constantly moist. When you do water, drench the pot thoroughly, letting water flush freely from the drainage holes.

Humidity & Airflow Like most Cattleya hybrids, this plant appreciates humidity levels between 50% and 70%. In a typical home, this can be provided by a humidifier or a humidity tray. Good air circulation is mandatory to prevent fungal issues. A small fan providing gentle, constant air movement is highly beneficial.

Media & Potting A coarse, airy, and exceptionally fast-draining potting mix is non-negotiable. The thick roots of this hybrid require a lot of air. Use large-grade fir bark, lava rock, charcoal, or a similar open mix. Repot only when the media begins to decompose (typically every 2-3 years) or when the plant has overgrown its pot. The best time to repot is just as new roots are beginning to grow from the newest pseudobulb.

Currently available in blooming size only.