Rlc. Siam Orange

Rlc. Siam Orange produces large, impressive flowers that showcase a dramatic blend of sunset colors. The sepals and petals are a rich, saturated flame-orange, often with a velvety texture. The expansive lip provides a striking contrast. It opens with a wide, bright golden-yellow throat that flares outward, transitioning into a deeply fringed, ruby-red border. The blooms are typically 5-6 inches across and are often fragrant, releasing a pleasant scent in the morning. The plant itself is a robust Cattleya-alliance grower, with sturdy pseudobulbs and thick, leathery leaves.

Quick Start

Light: Bright, filtered light (2,000-4,000 foot-candles). Temps: Intermediate to warm (70-85°F day, 55-65°F night). Water: Water thoroughly when media is just dry. Enjoys a distinct dry-out period. Humidity: Moderate (50-70% is ideal). Fertilizer: Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer weekly at half-strength during active growth. Media: Coarse, fast-draining mix (fir bark, lava rock, or perlite).

🌺 Orchid Lore & Discovery

Rlc. Siam Orange is a modern hybrid developed in Thailand, a country renowned for its exceptional Cattleya breeding. This orchid is the result of crossing Rlc. Yen Twentyfour Carat with Rlc. Chunfong Smile. This cross combines two powerful lineages. Rlc. Yen Twentyfour Carat provides the intense, non-fading golden-yellow base color, while Rlc. Chunfong Smile contributes the strong orange and deep ruby-red picotee edging on the lip. The goal of this pairing was to create a flower with the saturation and glow of a tropical sunset, and Rlc. Siam Orange succeeds beautifully.

🌿 How to Grow Rlc. Siam Orange

Light Provide bright, indirect light. This hybrid thrives in conditions suitable for most standard Cattleya orchids, which is approximately 2,000 to 4,000 foot-candles. An east-facing window with morning sun or a shaded south-facing window is ideal. Leaves should be a medium, "apple green" color. If they are dark green, the plant needs more light; if they are yellow, it may be receiving too much.

Temperature This orchid prefers intermediate to warm temperatures. Aim for daytime highs between 70-85°F and nighttime lows between 55-65°F. A temperature drop of at least 10°F at night is important to encourage reliable blooming. Protect it from drafts and temperatures below 50°F.

Water Proper watering is crucial. Rlc. Siam Orange is a sympodial orchid with pseudobulbs that store water, so it must dry out completely between waterings. When you do water, drench the pot thoroughly, letting water run through the coarse media for a minute. The frequency will depend on your pot size, media, and environment, but be careful not to let it remain soggy, as this will lead to root rot.

Humidity and Airflow Like most Cattleya hybrids, it appreciates moderate humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. In drier homes, placing the pot on a tray of wet pebbles (ensuring the pot doesn't sit in the water) can help. Good air circulation is essential to prevent fungal or bacterial issues, especially in high humidity. A small fan in the growing area is beneficial.

Fertilizer This is a moderate feeder during its active growth phases (when new leaves or roots are forming). Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20) at half-strength with every watering, or at quarter-strength weekly. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the cooler, darker winter months when growth slows.

Potting and Media Repot every 2-3 years or when the potting medium begins to break down. Rlc. Siam Orange demands a very coarse, fast-draining, and airy potting mix. A blend of large-grade fir bark, charcoal, and perlite or lava rock is an excellent choice. Choose a pot that will accommodate 2-3 years of new growth; these plants dislike being over-potted.

Currently available in blooming size only.