Lycaste virginalis 'alba'

This is the plant that sits on our upstairs bathroom window (photo 1). The window faces west and is partly shaded by an olive tree. 

Lycaste virginalis 'alba' is the national flower of Guatemala where it is called "La Monja Blanca" spanish for the white nun or "saq ixq" in Q'eqchi (Maya language) meaning white woman,

Lycaste virginalis is found from Southern Mexico to Honduras and grows in wet forests from 1200 to 1800m altitude. I have seen the closely related Lycaste macrophylla (photo 4) growing in Costa Rica in similar wet forest and was surprised by the deep shade favoured by the plant. I shouldn't have been surprised as the large thin leaves are clearly evolved for capturing all the light going.  This habitat choice makes the species a well suited to indoor growing in a room that doesnt get to warm or bright - just like our bathroom.

The plants have robust bulbs to support the species through the dry season and we grow the plant dryer in the winter but do not keep the plant completely dry.

I am not sure about white ladies or white nuns but I am sure that this is a lovely orchid.