Orchid of the day: Cattleya cernua (previously Sophronitis cernua)

Cattleya cernua

This miniature beauty originates from South Eastern Brazil to North Eastern Argentina and can even be found inland in Bolivia and Paraguay. This warm growing orchid grows epiphytically and lithophytically in dense clusters. The flower sizes ranges from about 2.2 cm to 2.7 cm (1” to 1 ¼”). Cattleya cernua was called Sophronitis cernua and belonged to the genus Sophronitis until in January 2008, the International Orchid Committee voted to make the genus Sophronitis synonymous with Cattleya, hence Cattleya cernua. Cattleya cernua  is commonly known as ‘Nodding Sophronitis’ and in nature, hummingbirds are the pollinators as they are drawn to the bright warm colours of the blooms.

A) Nov 8th, 2014. Arne has had this orchid since 2007 and it had flowered every year with two to three flowers each time until this year.

B) On Nov. 8th, we noticed two rather prominent flower stems.

C) By Dec 14th, three of the six flowers from the first flower stem broke through.

D) The flowers up close. I love the bright, vibrant colour of these orchids. Beautiful and petite.

E) A side profile of how the flowers are creeping out of the flower sheath, the sheath which in turn, becomes a leaf.

F) Dec. 21st. All of the six flowers made it out. Love the colour!

G) Isn't this a perfect Christmas orchid? Cheers me up when it is wet and gloomy outside...

H) This photo gives me a 'bonsai-zen' like feeling.

I) Flower stem 2 still holding on to the buds on Dec 21st. 

J) Another great shot (I think anyway), of this orchid.

K) Dec. 24th. Finally three flowers are breaking through the second flower stem!

As of today, we have the grand total of nine flowers from our Cattleya cernua. As I was taking this last photo, Arne pointed out that there is a third flower stem developing today.  I only hope all the flowers will be blooming at once so I can get the money shot! I must say that I like calling it Sophronitis cernua...

In any case, in Sweden Dec 24th is the big day of celebration, I wish you all:

"God Jul och Gott Ny År!"

(Translation; Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!)