Vivi's Orchid Corner

March 2002 - Volume 7, Issue 2

"SLC. Jewel Box ‘Dark Waters’"

Dear Orchid Friends:

SLC. Jewel Box ‘Dark Waters’ - a rich, eye catching flower. This is one of my favorite compact cattleyas.

The cross SLC (Sophrolaeliocattleya) is in the Cattleya Alliance. This cross is comprised of the combination of Sophronitis, Laelia and Cattleya. Generally this cross produces a smaller, more compact plant, generally standing 6 inches high or less. Compact cattleyas grow in smaller pots (4 inches and smaller), thus taking up far less space on your benches or window sills. Grow these with your normal Cattleyas.

The species used most often for hybridization for mini cattleyas are Sophronitis coccinea, Cattleya walkeriana, Laelia pumilla. Many other orchids also contribute their genetic makeup to mini cattleya designation including other Laelias, Cattleyas, Encyclias, and Brassavolas. Individual hybrids with the various orchids do require different growing environments and the final hybrid outcome are dependent upon which gene within the cross is the most dominant.

SLC. Jewel Box ‘Dark Waters’ (SLC Anzac x C. aurantiaca) was first registered in 1962. Since then, many other varieties evolved. SLC. Jewel Box ‘Dark Waters’ is considered relatively easy to grow. I love its deep rich red hues.

Light: Needs strong filtered light with considerable doses of sunlight. Direct morning light is ideal. These plants can withstand more direct sun when not in the hot midday sunlight. Light strictly from the North may not be sufficient to induce flowering. Light is a critical factor to blooming compact cattleyas such as SLC Jewel Box ‘Dark Waters’.

Temperature: Mini cattleyas like temperature range from 60 F to 85 F. How fortunate we are in South Florida to have these temperatures nearly year round. This cross can tolerate temperature fluctuations and actually enjoy the temperature variations. Cattleyas like humidity. If living in more Northern climates, provide humidity by using water trays during the winter months.

Watering: Water thoroughly and freely when you do water. This cross may require a little more water volume at each watering than your other cattleyas. Compact cattleyas tend to accumulate salt build up easily.. which is the reason to water well and flush the salts through. DO let these cattleyas dry out between watering. Ensure your Jewel Box is potted in a good, porous mixture. I have had luck with clay pots vs. Plastic pots since my plants enjoy the natural environments of South Florida. TAKE CARE NOT TO OVERWATER OR WATER TOO FREQUENTLY!

Flowers: The red flowers of SLC. Jewel Box ‘Dark Waters’ are gorgeous. This cross commonly blooms late winter to early spring and now is the ideal time to view this beauty at upcoming orchid shows. Petals are long and elliptical with some ruffles. The sepals are elongated and pointed. The lip is ruffled and slight flared. The lip throat and canter of the flower have a slight yellow hue. Flowers last at least two weeks.

SLC. Jewel Box ‘Dark Waters’ will perk up your orchid collection with its bold red color. Compact cattleyas save space on your benches ( a plus!) and bloom with minimal care, provided they get ample light. SLC. Jewel Box ‘Dark Waters’ always delights… hope you enjoy it too!

Vivi