Cattleya Orchid Source

Encyclia alboxanthina Photos

Photo of Encyclia alboxanthina from Brazil.
João de Deus Medeiros.

This is a nice example of Encyclia alboxanthina which is a Brazilian Encyclia orchid species. I really like the yellow-green color of the petals and sepals. This photo is of a species growing in the wild.

For more information on how to grow Encyclia alboxanthina, read this article on a related Encyclia species.

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.

Laelia rubescens Photographs

Photograph of Laelia rubescens.
Pale lavender flowers bloom on compact plants.
Photo by orchidgalore.

Laelia rubescens is one of my favorite species of Laelia from Mexico. The pale lavender flowers are charming. Grow in baskets or mount on cork bark to make stunning specimens.

See the blog post on Laelia rubescens for more information on the species description and orchid species cultural information.

Cattleya mossiae v. coerulea 'Alayon'

Cattleya mossiae v. coerulea 'Alayon'. Image by orchidgalore.

Cattleya mossiae v. coerulea 'Alayon' is a fine selection of a great Cattleya orchid species. Flowers are a clear lavender-pink color. Petals are very full and overlap the sepals giving the flower a full, rounded appearance. I wish that this orchid species was growing in my collection.

Visit the Cattleya mossiae orchid species post for more information for growing Cattleya mossiae.

Laelia pururata (syn. Cattleya purpurata) pictures

Laelia purpurata (now known as Cattleya purpurata) is one of the most spectacular orchid species. It flowers in the late spring or early summer and bears many colorful flowers.

Laelia purpurata plant in full bloom.
Image by Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis

This well-grown plant looks like it is about 30 inches tall. Each pseudobulb produces several flowers. Laelia purpurata has several different colorful forms.

Typical flower color and form of
Laelia purpurata (Syn. Cattleya purpurata).
Image by Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis.

This is the typical form of Laelia purpurata. The petals and sepals are white tinged with rose or purple with a darker purple lip.

Laelia purpurata v. Werckhauseri...the blue Laelia.
Image by orchidgalore.

Blue orchid lovers really like Laelia purpurata v. Werckhauseri. The petals are white stained with a hint of coreulea blue. This variety is used as a parent in blue orchid hybrids.

Cattleya purpurata var. carnea showing
the delicate veins in the pink lip.
Image by orchidgalore.

Laelia purpurata v. carnea has almost pure white flowers with a pink lip. It is easy to see why there are some orchid collectors who specialize in collecting different varieties of this species.

Laelia purpurata venosa 'Bella'.
Image by orchidgalore.

One last variety for today. This is a named variety of Laelia purpurata named Laelia purpurata venosa "Bella". Note the fine striations throughout the petals, sepals, and lip.

Laelia purpurata is easy to grow in typical Cattleya orchid growing conditions. For more information, please read the article on Laelia purpurata.

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The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala Is Back In Print

One of the rarest orchid books is now back in print!

The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala by James Bateman

The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala is a lavishly illustrated orchidclassic from the mid-19th century. This book describes an orchid expedition and the adventures that collectors experienced in the New World. Forty orchids are featured with beautiful full color illustrations. This book is a revised and expanded edition of the original 1843 edition. Originally, only royalty and the wealthiest men in Europe could purchase this book. Now it is available to every orchid enthusiast.

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Epidendrum and Leptotes

Epidendrum

The genus Epidendrum is large and varied. Most plants have reed-like, compressed pseudobulbs with leaves distributed along the length of the pseudobulb at nodes. However, some have small, round pseudobulbs with one or more leaves. Generally the flowers are small. See individual species descriptions for growing information.

Epidendrum Species Orchids

Encyclia & Euchile

Encyclia Orchid Species - List of Species

Encyclia

The genus Encyclia is a widespread and diverse genus of orchids. There are approximately 242 species that are found growing throughout tropical America and the West Indies. All the species grow on tree or shrub branches in the wild. The prefer climates that have distinctive wet and dry seasons. Many species have foliage and growth characteristics similar to Cattleya species. The flower spike grows from the top of the pseudobulb. Some species have strikingly beautiful flowers. Other species have unremarkable or insignificant flowers. The largest flower of any of the Encyclia species is 4 cm. Some orchid collectors specialize in this genus and it is gaining in popularity. Encyclia orchids are used in breeding with other members of the Cattleya family to form interesting hybrids. The English botanist Hooker first described the type species, Encyclia viridiflora, in 1828.

Many species are easy to grow and can be very rewarding for beginners and expert hobbyists alike. Most grow well when mounted on tree branches, driftwood, cork mounts, tree fern plaques, or potted in fast-draining open growing media (like fir bark). Intermediate growing conditions are generally suitable for most species. Let plants dry between watering. Some require a dry winter rest.

Encyclia Species Orchids