Cattleya Orchid Source: Cattleya

Showing posts with label Cattleya. Show all posts

Nice Cattleya lueddemanniana Variety

Photo of Cattleya lueddemanniana 'Eduardo' x 'Macaray'
Image by 0rchidHunter.

Cattleya lueddemanniana 'Eduardo' x 'Macaray' is a very nice example of some of the possibilities from crossing excellent individuals within a species. This flower was exhibited at the Dever Orchid Show in 2011. Cattleya lueddemanniana blooms in the spring.

Check out this article for Cattleya lueddemanniana growing information and species description.

Cattleya labiata Fall Blooming Orchid Species

Cattleya labiata is one of the finest fall-blooming orchid species. It is easy to grow and produces a few flowers per growth reliably each autumn. Here are some photos of Cattleya labiata.

A very fine Cattleya labiata orchid species cultivar. This plant won
an award at the 2010 fall orchid show in Denver. Photo by 0rchidhunter.

A "blue" variety of Cattleya labiata. This plant is grow in Brazil.
Cattleya labiata coerulea. Photo by PSantaRosa.

Typical purple form of Cattleya labiata. This species orchid blooms
in the fall. Photo by espinheira.

Check out the Cattleya labiata species description and culture guide for more orchid species growing information.

Cattleya Natural Hybrids

Natural Hybrids

Unlike most flower species, Cattleya orchids frequently hybridize in their native habitat. Below is a list of many known natural hybrids.

Cattleya × brasiliensis Klinge (1899) = (Cattleya bicolor × Cattleya harrisoniana)
Cattleya × brymeriana Rchb.f. (1883) = (Cattleya violacea × Cattleya wallisii)
Cattleya × calimaniana Campacci (2007) = (Cattleya harrisoniana × Cattleya schofieldiana)
Cattleya × calimaniorum Chiron & V.P.Castro (2005) = (Cattleya schilleriana × Cattleya tigrina)
Cattleya × colnagiana L.C.Menezes (1996)
Cattleya × dayana Rolfe (1902) = (Cattleya forbesii × Cattleya guttata)
Cattleya × dolosa Rchb.f. (1874) = (Cattleya loddigesii × Cattleya walkeriana)
Cattleya × dukeana Rchb.f. (1887) = (Cattleya bicolor × Cattleya guttata)
Cattleya × duveenii Pabst & A.Ferreira (1977) = (Cattleya guttata × Cattleya harrisoniana)
Cattleya × elegans C.Morren (1848) = (Cattleya purpurata × Cattleya tigrina)
Cattleya × frankeana Rolfe (1907) = (Cattleya schilleriana × Cattleya velutina)
Cattleya × gaezeriana Campacci (2007) = (Cattleya amethystoglossa × Cattleya bicolor)
Cattleya × gransabanensis Senghas (1999) = (Cattleya jenmanii × Cattleya lawrenceana)
Cattleya × hummeliana L.C.Menezes & V.P.Castro (2007) = (Cattleya lawrenceana × Cattleya violacea)
Cattleya × hybrida H.J.Veitch (1863) = (Cattleya guttata × Cattleya loddigesii)
Cattleya × imperator Rolfe (1897) = (Cattleya granulosa × Cattleya labiata)
Cattleya × intricata Rchb.f. (1884) = (Cattleya intermedia × Cattleya tigrina)
Cattleya × isabella Rchb.f. (1859) = (Cattleya forbesii × Cattleya intermedia)
Cattleya × itatiayae Porto (1918)
Cattleya × joaquiniana F.E.L.Miranda (1999) = (Cattleya bicolor × Cattleya walkeriana)
Cattleya × kautskyi Pabst (1975) = (Cattleya harrisoniana × Cattleya warneri)
Cattleya × labendziana L.C.Menezes & Braem4 (2006) = (Cattleya nobilior × Cattleya violacea)
Cattleya × lucieniana Rchb.f. (1885) = (Cattleya forbesii × Cattleya granulosa)
Cattleya × measuresii Rchb.f. (1886) = (Cattleya aclandiae × Cattleya walkeriana)
Cattleya × mixta L.C.Menezes (1992) = (Cattleya guttata × Cattleya schofieldiana)
Cattleya × moduloi L.C.Menezes (1994) = (Cattleya schofieldiana × Cattleya warneri)
Cattleya × patrocinii St.-Lég. (1890) = (Cattleya guttata × Cattleya warneri)
Cattleya × picturata Rchb.f. (1877) = (Cattleya guttata × Cattleya intermedia)
Cattleya × pittiana O'Brien ex Cogn. (1896) = (Cattleya schilleriana × Cattleya harrisoniana)
Cattleya × resplendens Rchb.f. (1885) = (Cattleya granulosa × Cattleya schilleriana)
Cattleya × schunkiana Campacci (2007) = (Cattleya porphyroglossa × Cattleya warneri)
Cattleya × tenuata V.P.Castro & Campacci ex Braem (1995) = (Cattleya elongata × Cattleya tenuis)
Cattleya × varelae V.P.Castro & Cath. (2004)
Cattleya × venosa Rolfe (1894) = (Cattleya forbesii × Cattleya harrisoniana)
Cattleya × victoria-regina auct. (1892) = (Cattleya guttata × Cattleya labiata)
Cattleya × zayrae V.P.Castro & Cath. (2004) = (Cattleya amethystoglossa × Cattleya elongata)

Cattleya aurea

Cattleya aurea

Common Name: Golden Yellow Cattleya Orchid

Native to: Cattleya aurea is native to the states of states of Risaralda, Antioquia and Choco in Columbia. It grows on trees (usually trees with rough or fissured bark) between 300 and 1000 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium. The plant resembles Cattleya labiata or any other typical unifoliate Cattleya orchid species. The upright pseudobulbs of Cattleya aurea have one green leaf.

Flower Size: 7 inches (17.5 cm)

Flower Description: A well grown Cattleya aurea plant can produce up to 5 or 6 flowers per growth. The flowers are large, well-formed and have an impressively marked broad lip. The flower petal color is usually yellow (compared to Cattleya dowiana's olive). Flowers are fragrant but short-lived.

Bloom Season: Spring

Growing Temperature: Intermediate

Additional Information: Cattleya aurea is very similar to Cattleya dowiana but comes from a different part of the world and blooms a few months later. This species is highly endangered in its home country due to habitat destruction and should not be purchased as a jungle-collected plant. Cattleya aurea grows well under typical Cattleya conditions and light. Some growers have reported difficulty keeping the plants growing for more than a few years. Perhaps as more seed-grown plants from greenhouses enter the trade the problem will lessen.

Synonyms: Cattleya chrysotaxa; Cattleya chrysotoxa; Cattleya dowiana var. aurea; Cattleya dowiana var. chrysotaxa; Cattleya dowiana var. chrysotoxa; Cattleya labiata dowiana aurea

Cattleya Orchid Species

Cattleya Orchid Species

Cattleya orchids are one of the most popular kinds of orchids for beginners and advanced hobbyists alike. The beautiful form and complexity of the flower and their alluring scents have one the hearts of many. Below is a list of all known Cattleya orchid species. Each species has its own page dedicated to the orchid's description and tips to help you grown the plant successfully.

Cattleya Orchid Species List

Cattleya Orchid Hybrids

Natural Hybrids - Hybrids that occur in nature
Primary Hybrids
Complex Hybrids
Award-Winning Hybrids

Cattleya dowiana

Cattleya dowiana

Common Name: Dow's Cattleya

Native to: Costa Rica, Panama. Cattleya dowiana grows on the Caribbean coast and can be found growing between 250 and 2500 meters in elevation. Cattleya dowiana's preferred habitat is mature tree crowns high off the ground.

Plant Size: Medium. Pseudobulbs of Cattleya dowiana grow 3 1/4 inches to 8 inches (8-20 cm) tall and are partially hidden by papery basal sheaths when young. A single light green, fleshy leaf grows at the top of the pseudobulb.

Flower Size: 6 inches (15 cm)

Flower Description: Cattleya dowiana is fragrant and very showy. This species is best known for its yellow coloration and very dramatic lip. The petals and sepal are a coppery-yellow. The lip is dark wine red and very intricately veined with gold. The flower stem is 5 inches (12.5 cm) long. The flower spike will have anywhere from one to six flowers. Unfortunately, the flowers are short-lived.

Bloom Season: Summer, Fall

Growing Temperature: Warm to Hot

Additional Information: Cattleya dowiana has an incredibly showy flower and has been used by breeders to make some important and beautiful hybrids. There is a great deal of similarity between this species and Cattleya aurea.

Cattleya dowiana was named in honor of Captain Dow, an American ship captain who lived in the nineteenth century.

Synonyms: Cattleya labiata var. dowiana; Cattleya lawrenceana

Cattleya warscewiczii

Cattleya warscewiczii

Native to: Columbia. Cattleya warscewiczii is found growing on trees near stream in high light in northwest Columbia between 500 and 1500 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Large. The cigar-shaped pseudobulbs of Cattleya warscewiczii have one long, leathery leaf. Roots form after new growth is mostly mature. Pseudobulbs grow about one foot (30 cm) tall.

Flower Size: 7 to 11 inches (17.5-27.5 cm). Largest of all Cattleyas.

Flower Description: Fragrant. The typical form of Cattleya warscewiczii has lavender flowers with a darker lip and two distinctive yellow eyes in the throat. Blooms in summer on an 18 inch flower spike that bears three to seven flowers. Flowers are stacked vertically on the stem and are well displayed.

Bloom Season: Early Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Hot

Additional Information: Cattleya warscewiczii was formerly known as Cattleya gigas and is still frequently sold under this name. Growth begins in late Januarly or early February. Plants need warm temperatures and bright light at this point. Provide enough light to make the foliage yellowish-green without causing sunburn. Water sparingly until the new growth is 4 inches (10 cm) tall and then water and fertilize heavily. Repot (if necessary) immediately after flowering has finished. Flowers are huge and command your attention. At one time, this species was grown for its massive flowers to use in corsages. Several color varieties exist including albas and semi-albas.

Synonyms: Cattleya gigas; Cattleya gloriosa; Cattleya imperialis; Cattleyea labiata var. warscewiczii; Cattleya lindeni; Cattleya sanderiana; Epidendrum labiatum var warscewiczii

Cattleya warneri

Cattleya warneri

Native to: Brazil. Cattleya warneri can be found at low elevations in coastal areas of Espirito Santo, Minas Gerais and Bahia.

Plant Size: Medium. Cattleya warneri is similar to Cattleya labiata but more compact. Unifoliate. New growth starts in fall and winter and a double flower sheath is produced in the spring.

Flower Size: 8 inches (20 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Cattleya warneri are a clear lavender. Flowers are produced in a double sheath. A well-grown specimen will have four or more flowers per stem.

Bloom Season: Late Spring, Early Summer (late May and June in the United States)

Growing Temperature: Warm to Hot

Additional Information: Cattleya warneri is a good species for beginners. Provide warm temperature and high light levels in the winter are essential for development of flowers. It prefers a warm spot in the intermediate greenhouse. Grow in pots with an open, free-draining media (i.e. coarse fir bark). Repot only when new roots begin to grow in the early summer. There is a "blue" form available called Cattleya warneri var. coerulea.

Synonyms: Cattleya labiata var. warneri; Cattleya trilabiata; Cattleya warneri var. amoena; Cattleya warneri var. caerulea; Cattleya warneri var. semi-alba

Cattleya walkeriana

Cattleya walkeriana

Native to: Brazil. Cattleya walkeriana is found in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Goias, Sao Paulo and Matto Grosso. Grows on trees or moist rocks near streams up to 2000 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Compact. The short, jointed pseudobulbs of Cattleya walkeriana are topped with one elliptical, leathery leaf. The flower does not form in a sheath at the top of the pseudobulb as in other Cattleyas but rather develops from a short stem from the base of the last pseudobulb.

Flower Size: 4 1/2 inches (9-12 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. The flowers of Cattleya walkeriana are very flat, waxy, heavily textured and rose purple in color. Lip coloration is the same or slightly darker than the petal color. The flowers form at the base of the pseudobulb and bear one to three flowers.

Bloom Season: Late Winter, Spring, Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: This species grows best well with bright light and good air circulation and can grow well in a pot or mounted on tree fern. Let the plant rest after flowering. Keep on the dry side as they tend to rot with too much water. There are additional color forms of this species available including an award-winning white clone Cattleya walkeriana alba 'Pendentive' AM/AOS. Cattleya walkeriana has been used as a parent by several breeders to produce compact "minicatts". Some hobbyists report that some plants can be shy bloomers. If this is the case for you, adjust the growing conditions until you find the spot where the plant is happy.

Synonyms: Cattleya bulbosa; Cattleya gardneriana; Cattleya princeps; Cattleya schroederiana; Cattleya walkeriana var. bulbosa; Cattleya walkeriana var. princeps; Epidendrum walkerianum

Cattleya violacea - Violet Cattleya

Cattleya violacea

Native to: Guyana, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Brazil. Cattleya violacea grows along rivers in the hot steamy jungles of the north and west ends of the Amazon basin from 200 to 700 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium to medium-small. Bifoliate. Pseudobulbs grow ten to twelve inches (25-30 cm) tall and have two rounded leaves. Flowers form as new growth develops.

Flower Size: 5 inches (13 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Cattleya violacea are a bright-rose or purple and sometimes have a little bit of white at the tips. The crimson-purple lip has yellow and white blotches. The flower stem bears 3-5 (sometimes more) flowers on 4 inch (10 cm) stems. Flowers are fragrant and long-lived.

Bloom Season: Winter, Spring

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm. Place Cattleya violacea in a warm spot in the greenhouse.

Additional Information: Cattleya violacea is a lesser-known species worthy of a place in your collection. Unfortunately, it is one of the more challenging species to grow successfully. They require heat and moisture year round without a dormant period. Growing mounted on slabs or in baskets has proven to be the most successful method of culture. Repot in fall when new roots begin to grow. Provide very good drainage and air circulation. There are blue and white varieties available.

Synonyms: Cattleya schomburgkii; Cattleya superba; Cattleya superba var. alba; Cattleya superba var. ashworthii; Cattleya superba var. splendens; Cattleya superba var. wellsiana; Cattleya violacea f. alba; Cattleya violacea var. alba; Cattleya violacea var. ashworthii; Cattleya violacea var. splendens; Cattleya violacea var. wellsiana; Cymbidium violaceum; Epidendrum superbum; Epidendrum violaceum

Cattleya velutina - Velvet Cattleya

Cattleya velutina

Native to: Brazil. Cattleya velutina is native to plains and mountains in southern Brazil. Its habitat consists of growing on small brush and overlaps near Rio de Janiero with Cattleya bicolor. Summers are warm and winters cool with year-round rain fall.

Plant Size: Medium. The pseudobulbs of Cattleya velutina are tall, slender, and jointed and grow to 15 inches (25-40 cm) tall. Bifoliate. Two or three leathery leaves grow from the top of the pseudobulb.

Flower Size: 3 to 4 inches (7.6-10 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. The flowers of Cattleya velutina are a tawny yellow with maroon purple spots and purple lines that radiate from the base. The lip is yellowish-white with violet markings. Each flower stem can produce between one and four flowers (two is the most common). Flowers are long lasting and highly fragrant.

Bloom Season: Late Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Hot

Additional Information: The quality of the flower of Cattleya velutina varies widely in this species and it is wise to purchase plants in flower. This species is rare in cultivation and few hybrids have been made with it as a parent. One source reports that the species is difficult to keep in collections.

Synonyms: Cattleya alutacea; Cattleya alutacea var. velutina; Cattleya fragrans

Cattleya trianae

Cattleya trianae

Native to: Columbia. Cattleya trianae is widespread in the mountains near Magdalena, Popayan, Medellin, Bogota, Buga, and Ibague. The orchids traditionally have been found in areas ranging from the seashore to the mountains, but the best zone to find them is from 1,800 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

Plant Size: Cattleya trianae is a full-sized Cattleya. Unifoliate. Pseudobulbs are grow to about a foot (30 cm) long and are distictively club-shaped. The lone leaf is long and has a notch at the apex.

Flower Size: 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm)

Flower Description: Petals and sepals of Cattleya trianae are pinkish-lavender. The front lobe of the lip is dark lavender or crimson. Petals are wider than sepals and somewhat ruffled. The throat is yellow. Flower color is highly variable and its flowers range across 15 colors, from white to red. The flower stem grows to 12 inches (30 cm) long and bears between three (common) and 14 (uncommon) flowers.

Bloom Season: Winter to early Spring (late December to March)

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Hot

Additional Information: New growth begins shortly after flowering finishes in the early spring and continues till August. The sheaths are formed when the growth matures but flower buds do not start to grow until October. Give typical cattleya growing conditions. There are some additional varieties available including Cattleya triane mooreana which has a dark splash on each petal. At one time, there were more named varieties of this species than any other Cattleya. It was quite popular as a winter cut flower for corsages in the early 20th century.

Cattleya trianae is the national flower of Columbia and is endangered in its native habitat as a result of environmental degradation and urbanization.

Synonyms: Cattleya bogotensis; Cattleya kimballiana; Cattleya labiata var. trianaei; Cattleya lindigii; Epidendrum labiatum var. trianaei

Cattleya tenuis - Stemmed Cattleya Orchid

Cattleya tenuis

Common Name: Slender-Stemmed Cattleya Orchid

Native to: Brazil. Cattleya tenuis is native to semi-arid scrub forests in the states of Bahia and Pernambuco where it is found growing on trees and rocks.

Plant Size: Large. Bifoliate. The narrow pseudobulbs of Cattleya tenuis grow to 3 feet (1 m) tall and are topped with two long narrow leaves. The flower spike can grow an additional twelve to eighteen inches making it the tallest of all Cattleyas.

Flower Size: 4 inches (10 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. Cattleya tenuis produces few to several flowers on an 18 inch (45 cm) flower spike. The flowers are a rich coppery bronze color with mahogany spotting. The lip is lavender or deep rose. The flowers have a heavy texture and can last for a long time. Color and flower life is variable.

Bloom Season: Late Summer to Fall

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm.

Additional Information: Grow Cattleya tenuis in a well-drained. Drainage is especially important in the cooler months when the plant is not actively growing. The growing media should be open (i.e. coarse fir bark), give ample water and fertilizer when growing, and reduce water when the plant rests after flowering. Provide a prolonged dry winter rest.

Synonyms: None.

Cattleya skinneri

Cattleya skinneri

Common Name: Flower of San Sebastian, Guaria Morada

Native to: Central America. Cattleya skinneri is found in many countries. The species can be found in southern Mexico and further south growing in wet montain forests from sea level to 1200 meters. it is also found growing in Guatemala and Honduras into El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It grows on tree branches in open forests and is quite common in its native range. Locals use the flowers to decorate their homes and altars.

Plant Size: Medium. Cattleya skinneri grows nine to twelve inches (22-30 cm) tall and have two, six inch (15 cm) long leaves on top of the pseudobulb. Pseudobulbs are narrower at the base and wider at the top. Flowers develop from (sometimes) dry sheaths formed on last summer's growth.

Flower Size: 3 inches (7.6 cm)

Flower Description: Cattleya skinneri produces many bright rose-lavender flowers that have a yellow throat. Typically, there are five to nine flowers per stem but well-grown plants can reach at least 14 flowers. Flower stems grow to 5 1/2 inches. The flowers sparkle with a crystaline texture and are long-lived. Flowers last three to four weeks.

Bloom Season: Winter, Spring (March through June)

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Hot.

Additional Information: Cattleya skinneri is an easy one for beginners because it tolerates a wide range of temperatures and is forgiving of low humidity. Well-grown plants can become massive specimens. Plants prefer a cool, dry winter rest. Cattleya skinneri var. alba is a white form. Cattleya aurantiaca hybridizes with Cattleya skinneri to form the natural hybrid Cattleya x guatamalensis.

Synonyms: Cattleya laelioides; Epidendrum huegelianum; Guarianthe skinneri

Cattleya schroederae

Cattleya schroederae

Native to: Columbia. Cattleya schroederae is native to the eastern mountains from San Martin plains to Cazanare.

Plant Size: Medium. Unifoliate. Cattleya schroederae is similar to Cattleya trianaei, but lacks the club-like pseudobulbs of the latter. It is free-flowering and the flowers are well-formed and make pleasing plants for collectors.

Flower Size: Large

Flower Description: Cattleya schroederae has flowers that are sweetly fragrant. The flower color is pale rose to pink suffused with white with a wavy margin. Lips and petals are frilly. There are several white or near-white cultivars available. The lip has yellow and deep rose markings. Flowers are not of heavy substance but are attractive and last up to five week. Flower form is full and round. The plant forms a sheath and rests for a while before developing flower buds.

Bloom Season: Spring. Usually flowers in April.

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Hot (85 F day temperatures are prefered. Seedlings prefer 65 F nights while adults prefer 60 F.

Additional Information: I have seen Cattleya schroederae perform well when grown on mounts. Container culture is suitable, too. The plant is in active growth from the months of May to September and forms sheaths for next spring's flowers. Flower buds begin to develop after the New Year and bloom in the spring. Growth and flowering habits are very similar to Cattleya trianae. If used as a cut flower, allow four to five days for the flower to mature prior to harvest. Water heavily and fertilize during active growth. Do not fertilize after August while the plant is dormant since this species is susceptible to salt accumulation in the growing medium.

Synonyms: Cattleya trianaei var. schroederae; Cattleya labiata var. schroderae

Cattleya schofieldiana

Cattleya schofieldiana

Native to: Brazil. Cattleya schofieldiana grows on trees or rocky slope faces. Roots grow among mosses and lichens and extend about 2 feet in habitat.

Plant Size: Large. Plants can reach 40 inches (1 meter) in height. Bifoliate.

Flower Size: 4 inches (10 cm)

Flower Description: Cattleya schofieldiana produces between two and five flowers per stem. The flower color is a tawny yellow that has dense maroon spotting on the petals and sepals. The purple or magenta lip has lots of hairy protrussions and has a white margins.

Bloom Season: Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: Dark flowers and wavy petals make Cattleya schofieldiana an interesting conversation piece. This species was once considered a variety of Cattleya granulosa, but flowers in the fall rather than in the spring. Nothing out of the ordinary is required culturally. It does not have a distinctive rest period.

Synonym: Cattleya granulosa var. schofeldiana

Cattleya schilleriana

Cattleya schilleriana

Native to: Brazil. Cattleya schilleriana reportedly grows on hardwood forests and cliff faces in close proximity to surface water which helps maintain high levels of humidity. There is no rain during the summer months in its native habitat. It shares much of the same habitat with Cattleya schofeldiana, Cattleya velutina, and Cattleya harrisoniana.

Plant Size: Semi-dwarf. Bifoliate. The leaves of Cattleya schilleriana are spotted with red. The plants range from 4 to 10 inches in height and are similar in appearance to Cattleya aclandiae. Roots are thicker than other species.

Flower Size: 3 to 4 inches (7.6-10 cm).

Flower Description: Flowers are of heavy substance and the petals and sepals are quite ruffled. Cattleya schilleriana is rare to have more than 2 flowers per stem. Flower color is quite variable. Some plants produce olive-green flowers tinted with brown and spotted with brownish-red spots while others are redish-brown with almost solid mahogony spots. The lip has a pale yellow base color which shows off the purple veining.

Bloom Season: Late spring or early summer (June to September).

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Hot

Additional Information: Grow Cattleya schilleriana on slabs, rafts, or baskets for best growth. The plant needs bright light and good air circulation. Dark flowers and wavy petals make this species and interesting conversation piece.

Cattleya rex - King of the Cattleya Orchids

Cattleya rex

Common Name: King of the Cattleya Orchids

Native to: Colombia and Peru. Cattleya rex grows high up in trees where it is exposed to bright light and breezes in wet mountainous forests around 1350 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium. Unifoliate. Cattleya rex has 8 or 9 inch tall flattened pseudobulbs with a single yellow-green leaf. New growth begins in the fall (in the northern hemisphere) and the growth matures during the winter. Flowering occurs as the growth matures in the winter or spring.

Flower Size: 7 inch (17 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. Cattleya rex produces between 3 and 8 flowers on a short stem. The flower stem is short and the flowers do not extend above the leaves. The petals and sepals are narrow and variable. The flower color is variable. The lip has yellow, rose, and magenta markings and stiations.

Bloom Season: Winter to Spring

Growing Temperature: Cool to Intermediate.

Growing Information:
Light: Standard Cattleya conditions.

Humidity: Provide 80-85 percent humidity for most of the year. Its acceptable for summer humidity to drop into the 75-80 percent range.

Water: Plants should be watered regularly throughout the year, but they must dry rapidly after watering. Make sure that the plants never stay dry for long periods of time, however. Give mounted plants a daily misting in summer with a thorough soaking of the entire plant and slab twice a week in summer, or three times a week in extremely hot weather (adjust for your climate). Water should be reduced somewhat in winter, but plants should never stay dry for long periods.

Growing Media: Plants are frequently grown mounted on cork slabs or in baskets or pots with extremely open and fast draining medium such as coarse bark nuggets. Whatever the choice of medium, it is critically important that the roots dry rapidly after watering or root rot is a near certainty. Divide, repot, or remount only when new root growth is just starting. This lets the plant become established in the shortest possible time with the greatest success.

Synonyms: Cattleya labiata var. rex

Cattleya quadricolor - Four-Colored Cattleya Orchid

Cattleya quadricolor

Common Name: Four-Colored Cattleya Orchid

Native to: Colombia. Cattleya quadricolor grows high up in trees where it is exposed to bright light and breezes. It is found growing on the eastern slope of the Andes mountains.

Plant Size: Medium. Unifoliate. Cattleya quadricolor has 8 or 9 inch tall compressed pseudobulbs with a single 12 inch (30 cm), dark green leaf. New growth begins in the fall (in the northern hemisphere) and the growth matures during the winter. Flowering occurs as the growth matures in the spring. The leaves are flexible. Similar in appearance to Cattleya trianae. The pseudobulbs rest before producing flowers.

Flower Size: 7 inch (16 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. Cattleya quadircolor produces only a few (2-4) flowers on a short stem. The flowers do not open fully and are cupped or bell-shaped. The petals and sepals are wide. The main flower color is white with rose, yellow, and purple markings on the lip.
Bloom Season: Winter

Growing Temperature: Cool to Intermediate.

Growing Information: Easy to grow and forgiving for beginners.

Light: Bright Cattleya conditions.

Humidity: Provide 80-85 percent humidity for most of the year. Its acceptable for summer humidity to drop into the 75-80 percent range.

Water: Plants should be watered regularly throughout the year, but they must drain well after watering. Cattleya quadricolor is more tolerant of excessive moisture than most other species or Cattleya orchid.

Growing Media: Plants are frequently grown mounted on cork slabs or in baskets, but some growers report success using pots with extremely open fast draining medium such as coarse bark nuggets. Whatever the choice of medium, it is critically important that the roots dry rapidly after watering or root rot is a near certainty. Use very small slabs for mounting this species because larger slabs retain to much water. Tree-fern slabs hold more water and should only be used only in very dry growing conditions. When mounting, do not use sphagnum moss between the mount and the plant because it retains too much moisture and promotes rot. Divide, repot, or remount only when new root growth is just starting. This lets the plant become established in the shortest possible time with the greatest success.

Synonyms: Cattleya chocoensis

Cattleya porphyroglossa

Cattleya porphyroglossa

Native to: Brazil. Cattleya porphyroglossa is native to swampy forests near the coast. Its range overlaps with Cattleya harrisoniana. It prefers to grow on trees near the ground in close proximity to water. It was once thought to be extinct but has now been rediscovered.

Plant Size: Medium. Similar to Cattleya guttata.

Flower Size: 2 to 3 inches (6-7.6 cm)

Flower Description: Sweetly fragrant. The flower color is yellow to olive-greenish brown with a purple lip and column. Flowers do not open all the way. There are three to eight flowers per stem.

Bloom Season: Spring to Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Hot

Additional Information: The plant and flowers bear similarities to Cattleya guttata and Cattleya granulosa. Cattleya porphyroglossa is an uncommon species that is seldom seen in collections. The variety 'Sulphurea' is a lemon-yellow colored clone.

Synonyms: Epidendrum porphyroglossum; Cattleya batalinii; Cattleya dijanceana