Rby. Copper Queen ‘H&R’ Cattleya Orchid Mericlone

Add unusual colour, bold spotting and elegant star-shaped flowers to your orchid collection with Rby. Copper Queen ‘H&R’.

This distinctive Rhynchobrassoleya hybrid produces golden-yellow flowers with elongated sepals, broad petals and a prominent lip densely patterned with pink, magenta and burgundy spotting. The contrasting colours and open flower form give it a dramatic, exotic appearance.

The flowers may open with warmer copper-pink tones before gradually developing a more golden-yellow appearance as they mature. Flower colour and the degree of colour change can vary with temperature, light and growing conditions.

Rby. Copper Queen is a registered hybrid produced from Rlc. Toshie Aoki × Bc. Richard Mueller. The name ‘H&R’ inside quotation marks identifies this particular selected clone; it is not being used as the product brand.

Mericlone propagation provides greater consistency in growth and mature flower characteristics than seed-grown orchids, although minor natural variation can still occur.

Flower Characteristics

• Golden-yellow petals and sepals
• Warm copper-pink tones may be present as flowers open
• Elongated sepals creating an open, star-shaped form
• Broad yellow petals
• Large, prominently displayed lip
• Dense pink, magenta and burgundy spotting across the lip
• Darker burgundy markings within the throat
• Strong contrast between the clear yellow segments and spotted lip
• Flower colour may change as the bloom matures
• Flowers may be fragrant, although fragrance intensity can vary
• Long-lasting blooms under suitable conditions
• Unusual display variety with strong collector appeal

Size Options

50mm Pot

Supplied as one young, established mericlone in a 50mm nursery pot.

Plants supplied in 50mm pots are not flowering size and require further time to grow and develop. Plant size, leaf number and root development will vary naturally.

100mm Pot – Flowering Size, Bare-Rooted

Where available, the 100mm option is a larger, more developed flowering-size plant. It is suitable for customers wanting a more advanced orchid without the additional growing time required by the younger 50mm option.

The plant is grown in a 100mm nursery pot and supplied bare-rooted, with the original pot and growing medium removed before dispatch. The 100mm measurement refers to the nursery pot in which the plant was grown—not its overall height or width.

Flowering size refers to the plant’s maturity and does not mean it will arrive in flower or carrying buds.

Plant size, pseudobulb number, leaf growth and root development will vary naturally.

Key Features

• Named Rby. Copper Queen ‘H&R’ mericlone
• Accepted hybrid genus Rhynchobrassoleya
• Selected clone identified by the clonal epithet ‘H&R’
• Golden-yellow flowers with warm copper-pink tones
• Dense pink, magenta and burgundy spotting across the lip
• Open, star-shaped flower form
• Elongated sepals and broad petals
• Flowers may change colour as they mature
• Potentially fragrant, with intensity varying between flowers and conditions
• Long-lasting flowers under suitable cultivation
• Strong collector appeal
• Available in different sizes when shown in the selector
• Suitable for orchid pots and baskets
• Can be mounted with appropriate care
• Ideal for greenhouses and shade houses
• Suitable for protected patios and verandahs
• Can be grown indoors with sufficient bright, filtered light
• Prefers warm, protected and frost-free conditions

Suitable Uses

• Rhynchobrassoleya collections
• Collector orchid collections
• Yellow and copper-coloured orchid collections
• Spotted orchid collections
• Colour-changing flower displays
• Orchid houses and shade houses
• Greenhouses
• Protected patios and verandahs
• Bright indoor growing positions
• Tropical and subtropical displays
• Orchid pots and baskets
• Mounted orchid displays
• Living gifts for orchid enthusiasts

Potting the Bare-Root 100mm Plant

Unpack the bare-root plant promptly after delivery and pot it into a clean, appropriately sized orchid pot.

Use a medium-grade, free-draining orchid mix. Position the oldest growth towards the edge of the pot, leaving room for new growth to develop across the remaining space.

Keep the rhizome and bases of the pseudobulbs at or slightly above the surface of the growing medium. Do not bury them deeply.

Secure the plant firmly so it does not move while new roots establish. Water after potting and allow the container to drain completely.

Keep the newly potted plant in a warm, protected position with good airflow while it establishes. Avoid leaving recently disturbed roots continually wet.

Care Instructions

Light

Grow Rby. Copper Queen ‘H&R’ in bright, filtered light.

This hybrid requires plenty of light to support healthy growth and flowering but should be protected from harsh direct afternoon sun.

Suitable positions include:

• A bright window with filtered light
• A covered patio or verandah
• A well-ventilated shade house
• A suitably shaded greenhouse
• A protected outdoor position in a frost-free climate

Healthy foliage is generally medium green. Very dark green foliage may indicate insufficient light, while yellowing, bleaching or scorched patches may indicate excessive direct sunlight.

Watering

Water thoroughly and allow the orchid mix to approach dryness before watering again.

Rby. Copper Queen ‘H&R’ prefers a wet-and-dry watering cycle and should not remain constantly wet. Empty saucers and decorative pots after watering so the roots are not left sitting in water.

Watering frequency will depend on:

• Plant and pot size
• Temperature
• Season
• Humidity
• Air circulation
• Type of growing medium

Young plants in 50mm pots can dry more quickly than larger orchids. Check the growing medium regularly during warm or windy weather.

Reduce watering during cooler periods when active growth slows, but do not allow the pseudobulbs to become severely shrivelled.

Humidity and Airflow

Provide moderate to high humidity combined with good air circulation.

Avoid stagnant or continually damp conditions, particularly during cooler weather. Consistent air movement helps the foliage and roots dry properly after watering.

Potting Mix

Use a free-draining orchid medium that allows plenty of air to circulate around the roots.

A fine-to-medium orchid bark mix is generally suitable for a young 50mm plant. A medium-grade orchid bark mix may be used for a larger 100mm plant.

The ideal grade will depend on your climate and watering habits. Avoid ordinary garden soil or dense potting media that remain wet for extended periods.

Temperature and Climate

Rby. Copper Queen ‘H&R’ prefers warm, protected and frost-free growing conditions.

It is well suited to tropical and subtropical climates when grown under filtered light with good airflow. In warm-temperate climates, protect the plant from frost and prolonged cold winter weather.

In cooler regions, grow it indoors beside a bright window or provide protection in a greenhouse or enclosed orchid-growing area.

Protect the plant from:

• Frost
• Cold draughts
• Prolonged cold conditions
• Extreme heat
• Harsh exposed positions
• Sudden temperature changes

Feeding

Apply a suitable orchid fertiliser at a light rate during active root, leaf and pseudobulb growth.

Follow the fertiliser label directions and avoid applying concentrated fertiliser to dry or damaged roots. Reduce feeding during cooler periods or whenever active growth slows.

Repotting

Repot when the orchid has outgrown its container or when the growing medium begins to break down.

The best time to repot is generally when fresh roots are beginning to emerge. Choose a container that provides room for the next few growths without leaving excessive wet growing medium around the roots.

This sympodial orchid generally performs best when fitted reasonably snugly into its pot.

Mounting

Rby. Copper Queen ‘H&R’ may also be grown on cork bark, hardwood or another suitable orchid mount.

Mounted plants dry more quickly and require more frequent watering. This method is best suited to growers who can provide regular moisture, suitable humidity and good airflow.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Rhynchobrassoleya Copper Queen ‘H&R’
Abbreviation: Rby. Copper Queen ‘H&R’
Common Name: Copper Queen Rhynchobrassoleya Orchid
Family: Orchidaceae
Parentage: Rlc. Toshie Aoki × Bc. Richard Mueller
Registered Grex: Rby. Copper Queen
Clone Name: ‘H&R’
Product Type: Live orchid plant
Propagation Type: Mericlone
Available Sizes: Select from the available product options
50mm Supply Format: Young plant supplied in a 50mm nursery pot
100mm Plant Maturity: Flowering size
100mm Supply Format: Supplied bare-rooted from a 100mm nursery pot
Flower Colour: Golden yellow with copper-pink tones and pink, magenta and burgundy spotting
Flower Size: Medium to large, varying with cultivation and growing conditions
Flower Form: Open and star-shaped with elongated sepals and a prominent spotted lip
Colour Development: Flowers may change from warmer copper-pink tones towards golden yellow as they mature
Fragrance: May be fragrant; intensity can vary
Growth Habit: Sympodial orchid with pseudobulbs
Light: Bright, filtered light
Watering: Water thoroughly, then allow the medium to approach dryness
Growing Medium: Free-draining orchid bark mix
Humidity: Moderate to high humidity with good airflow
Climate: Tropical, subtropical and protected warm-temperate conditions
Frost Tolerance: Frost sensitive
End Use: Orchid collections, patios, shade houses, greenhouses and bright indoor positions

FAQ

What type of orchid is Rby. Copper Queen ‘H&R’?

It is a registered intergeneric orchid hybrid belonging to the genus Rhynchobrassoleya. The accepted abbreviation for the genus is Rby.

Is ‘H&R’ a brand name?

In this plant name, ‘H&R’ is the clonal epithet identifying the selected clone of Rby. Copper Queen. The quotation marks indicate that it forms part of the orchid’s clonal name rather than the product brand.

What is the parentage of Rby. Copper Queen?

Rby. Copper Queen was produced from Rlc. Toshie Aoki × Bc. Richard Mueller.

What colour are the flowers?

The flowers develop golden-yellow petals and sepals with a large lip patterned with pink, magenta and burgundy spots. Warmer copper-pink tones may be visible as the blooms open.

Do the flowers change colour?

They can. Flowers of this clone may open with warmer copper or pink tones before becoming more golden yellow as they mature. The intensity and progression of the colour change can vary with growing conditions.

Is Rby. Copper Queen ‘H&R’ fragrant?

The flowers may produce fragrance, but its strength can vary with the individual bloom, time of day and growing conditions.

What sizes are available?

Available sizes are shown in the product selector. Options may include a young plant in a 50mm pot and a larger flowering-size plant grown in a 100mm nursery pot.

What is the difference between the 50mm and 100mm options?

The 50mm option is a young plant that is not flowering size and requires further time to mature. The 100mm option is a larger, more developed flowering-size plant.

Does flowering size mean the plant will arrive in flower?

No. Flowering size refers to the plant’s maturity. It does not guarantee that the orchid will be flowering or carrying buds when dispatched.

How are the plants supplied?

The 50mm option is supplied in its nursery pot. Where available, the 100mm flowering-size option is removed from its nursery pot and supplied bare-rooted.

What does mericlone mean?

A mericlone is propagated from selected plant material rather than grown from seed. This provides greater consistency in growth and mature flower characteristics, although minor natural variation can still occur.

Can this orchid be grown indoors?

Yes, provided it receives plenty of bright, filtered light and good airflow. A dim indoor position is unlikely to provide suitable long-term growing conditions.

What potting mix should I use?

Use a free-draining orchid bark mix that allows air to circulate around the roots. Avoid ordinary garden soil and dense potting media that remain wet.