This week’s Orchid of the Week is… Cym. Valley Cauldron ‘Pixie’
Parentage: This is a cross between Cym. Warona × Cym. Ann Green
Registered: 1983
The reason why it’s our Orchid of the Week:
An oldie, but a colourful one for this week’s Orchid of the Week! Cym. Valley Couldron ‘Pixie’ has some interesting lip markings too. We may not be looking at a modern show bench winner, but certainly something different for the backyard grower to add to a diverse collection.
I’m not sure where to source one of these……given how old the grex is, but it might be worth it if you can find one in a backyard collection somewhere.
The parent, Cym. Warona, has been responsible for great coloured Cyms like Cym. Wallacia and Cym. Valley Couldron, whilst Cym. Ann Green has some noted lineage including Cym. Alexanderi and Cym. Pauwelsii and is a much used parent since being registered in 1958.
The image used above was provided by the breeder, Valley Orchids in South Australia. Unfortunately Valley Orchids as a supplier is no more, however the breeders are still growing some lovely plants.
Looking back at the original species ancestors of this plant, using Orchid Roots, Cym. insigne, and Cym lowianum are the major contributors present in the distant background.