Cattleya Orchid Source: Broughtonia

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Broughtonia sanguinea

Broughtonia sanguinea

Native to: Jamaica.

Plant Size: Small. The plants of Broughtonia sanguinea have compact, egg-shaped pseudobulbs with a couple of narrow, erect leaves. Flower spike grows to two feet (60 cm).

Flower Size: 1 to 2 inches (2.5-4 cm).

Flower Description: The rose-colored flowers of Broughtonia sanguinea have dark purple veins and a touch of yellow at the base of the throat. The flowers are borne on long, graceful, arching spikes well above the foliage. Each spike bears up to 10 flowers. The flowers are flat and the lip is broad and large in proportion to the petals and sepals. There are white, pink, red, lavender, yellow, and peach color clones available.

Bloom Season: Spring to Summer. Mature plants of Broughtonia sanguinea can have flowers almost year-round if grown with warm night temperatures.

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm.

Additional Information: Provide high light (brighter than normal Cattleya conditions) for best results. Some growers position it higher up in the greenhouse or hang it from the raffters. Keep on the dry side; allow to dry out between watering. It needs high humidity and lots of fresh air. Grow Broughtonia sanguinea mounted on cork or tree fern plaques or in small clay pots. Remount every two to four years and remove all roots as close to the pseudobulb as possible. Tie firmly to the new mount and let the plants form new roots (which will happen in a few weeks). Root removal during remounting reportedly prevents old pseudobulbs from rotting.

Broughtonia sanguinea blooms when young and often will flower in a two inch pot. This species has been used in hybrids with the genus Cattleya to produce Cattleytonia hybrids. Ctna. 'Why Not' is the most famous of these and can grow into a great specimen.

WARNING: Do not use 'Malathion' or 'Dimethioate' ('Cygon 2E') insecticides on this genus. Instead, use 'Diazinon' or remove pests by hand.

Synonyms: Broughtonia coccinea; Dendrobium sanguineum; Epidendrum sanguineum; Satyrium parasiticum

Broughtonia negrilensis

Native to: Native to Jamaica. Broughtonia negrilensis is endemic to coastal areas where it grows on trees or limestone rocks in forested areas. The environment is sunny and relatively dry. The species is named after the town of Negril in western Jamaica.

Plant Size: Small. The plants are compact and have small, tightly clustered pseudobulbs with 1 to 3 narrow leaves that grow to 8 inches (15 cm) long. The flower spike of Broughtonia negrilensis grows to 40 inches (100 cm).

Flower Size: 1 to 2 inches (2.5-4 cm).

Flower Description: Flowers of Broughtonia negrilensis have a large lip that is prominently marked with dramatic veining. Up to 15 flowers grow on each stem and open in succession over a long period of time. Non-fragrant. Large, mature plants can bloom several times per year.

Bloom Season: late-Fall to Winter

Growing Temperature: Warm to Intermediate

Additional Information: Provide bright light (up to 3500 ft candles) and adequate air circulation and humidity. Allow the plants to dry out in between watering since they resent wet roots. Easy to grow if its needs are met. It can even be grown under artificial light (3-4 feet from a 450 watt sodium lamp).

WARNING: This genus does not tolerate systemic insecticides or Malathion. Use 'Diazinon' instead. Grow on a mount or raft since this species does not grow well in pots of any type. See the remounting notes mentioned for Broughtonia sanguinea for remounting instructions.

Synonyms: Laeliopsis domingensis

Broughtonia

Broughtonia

There are only two (2) species of this genus. Both are found growing wild in the West Indies. The plants are small with tightly packed oval pseudobulbs. Two stiff leaves grow from the top of each bulb. The flower spike grows from the top of the pseudobulb and the flowers open one after the other for an extended period of time (often several months). The plants prefer warm growing temperatures and bright light (brighter than Cattleyas). For best results, grow these plants mounted on tree branches or cork mounts and provide high humidity and good air circulation. Broughtonias are susceptible to scale insect attack and should be observed frequently so that remedial action can be taken at the first sign of infestation.

They are used in breeding with Cattleyas to create Cattletonia hybrids.

Broughtonia Species Orchids