Cattleya labiata - Crimson or Ruby Lipped Cattleya

Cattleya labiata

Common Name: Crimson or Ruby Lipped Cattleya

Native to: Brazil. Cattleya labiata is native to mountain ranges in the northeastern part of the country at elevations above 500 meters. They usually grow on trees but can be found on rocks, too.

Plant Description: Medium height. Unifoliate. The pseudobulbs of Cattleya labiata are club-shaped and laterally compressed. Several thin papery or green sheaths partially cover the pseudobulb . Flower buds emerge from a double, green sheath. It usually begins growing in February in the United States and will complete its new growth by June. If this growth is completed early enough, it will often make a second growth that will mature in late July or early August and both growths will flower at the same time.

Flower Size: 7 inches (17.5 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. A short stem produces two to five flowers at one time. Cattleya labiata's most common lip pattern is a solid dark purple with a pale lavender edge, although many variations exist. The flower is deeply frilled lip and wavy sepals and petals. Colors range from blush rose to deep pinks and purples. The lip also varies from having just a touch of purple to a deep crimson mid lobe, and all them have a yellow throat.

Bloom Season: Fall (September to November)

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: Cattleya labiata is easy to grow and is a reliable bloomer. Standard temperature and humidity. Provide a drier rest after flowering until new growth resumes in the spring. Repot as soon as new roots begin to develop on the front pseudobulb.

Cattleya labiata was the first species to be grown successfully in England. This is the classic corsage orchid. Cattleya labiata var. semi-alba is a variety that has a white flower with a colored lip. There are many other varieties available. This fall-blooming species is easy to grow.

Synonyms: Cattleya bullieri; Cattleya labiata f. albo-oculata; Cattleya labiata f. purpureostriata; Cattleya labiata var. albo-oculata; Cattleya labiata var. amesiana; Cattleya labiata var. amoena; Cattleya labiata var. atropurpurea; Cattleya labiata var. autumnalis; Cattleya labiata var. caerulea; Cattleya labiata var. concolor; Cattleya labiata var genuina; Cattleya labiata var. purpureolineata; Cattleya labiata var. purpureostriata; Cattleya labiata var. semialba; Cattleya labiata var. warocqueana; Cattleya labiata vera; Cattleya labiatum; Cattleya leeana; Cattleya lemoniana; Cattleya massangeana; Cattleya morganae; Cattleya nalderiana; Cattleya oweniana; Cattleya pallida; Cattleya peetersii; Cattleya perrinii; Cattleya regalis; Cattleya rochellensii; Cattleya rollissonii; Cattleya wallisii; Cattleya warocqueana; Epidendrum labiatum