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Sophrolaeliocattleya Jewel Box 'Dark Waters' AM/AOS


The Slc. Jewel Box ‘Dark Waters’ is a hybrid cross of the  Cattlianthe orchid nothogenus, registered in 1962. The parents of the cross are Guarianthe aurantiaca and Cattleya anzac. Hands down one of my top 10 favorite orchids and my favorite cattleya hybrid. 



Unfortunately, I find it incredibly difficult to get anywhere close to an accurate photo capture with a digital camera as reds and purples seem to be the troublesome colors.  Ctt. Jewel Box is a classic compact growing red cattleya hybrid. Bifoliate pseudobulbs that are about 4" tall grow along a horizontal rhizome. A terminal inflorescence is produced from a sheath at the tip of newly matured pseudobulbs. Ctt. Jewel Box averages 4.8 flowers per inflorescence and 9.2 cm (3.6 inches) natural spread. Flowers are slightly cupped, and vary from magenta to deep red, depending on growth conditions (light/temp) during bud development.


LIGHT
As with most cattleya hybrids you will need a lot of good sun exposure for them to grow well and flourish. A north exposure window that gets sunshine throughout the day will be best. However, ensure to give it diffused light during the hottest summer days as the foliage may get burned. Remember if the foliage gets a red tan, it means that your light is more than enough.



TEMPERATURE
Plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. In the spring and summer, day-time temperature can reach up to 27C to 34C degree maximum for a short period of time, with a noticeable difference at night. During winter months, day temperatures in the intermediate average of 19C are preferred.



HUMIDITY
Ideally humidity should be kept from 40 to 60%.   However they can tolerate lower levels.  Use humidity trays or a small room humidifier when growing indoors.



WATER & FERTILISER
Use pure water, such as rainwater, distilled or reverse osmosis water if possible.   Hard water tends to spot the leaves and will eventually collect in the medium.  Flush the plant regularly, especially if using municipal or well water. Never use artificially softened water.  Plants should  dry out between watering.  Use ample water in spring and summer while the plants are in active growth and in flower, reducing water greatly during cooler winter days.  If plants are mounted, they will need to be water/misted every other day.  For fertiliser use a balanced orchid fertiliser during active growth.  If using rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, use a fertiliser formulated for pure water, or add some tap water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilise very lightly every other watering during the growing season. 



POTTING MEDIUM & POTS
Cattleya hybrids will grow in a wide variety of medium, ranging from coarse bark to the other set ups.  They can also be grown mounted if preferred. Pots can also range from clay to plastic.  With any pots, insure there is adequate drainage.  Add extra holes to plastic pots and enlarge the bottom hole in clay pots.

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