This primary hybrid from the two compact species C. intermedia and C. aclandiae, are beginning to bloom for the first time in our nursery. From the start, this hybrid has grown uniformly and with a renewed vigor, compared to both parents. Amazingly, the blooms are also slightly larger than either parent.

It's become the orchid that "even your kids will think is cool". Compact plants have green upright bifoliate maroon-speckled foliage. From small sheaths buds emerge with cute, waxy, shell-pink to pastel lilac petals spotted with red violet maroon, and an ivory lip accented in bright plum. I think the reason why it catches the attention and fascination of the young ones is the spots.

As much as I love the pure C. aclandiae for its pronounced spotting and beautiful contrasting colors, the difficulty can sometimes be in the growth rate, vigor, and plant conformation. This hybrid really puts some punch into the rate of growth, and the habit becomes much more upright and sturdy. C. intermedia seems to lighten and brighten the blossoms, allows the spotting trait to carry through, and in a few months we can see if it creates multiple blooming seasons per year.