Cattleya loddigesii

Cattleya loddigesii

Native to: Brazil. Cattleya loddigesii is found in the States of Sao Paulo (main distribution) and Minas Gerais, going a little into the States of Parana and Rio de Janeiro at and elevation of 2000 to 4000 feet (600-1200 meters). Its preferred habitats are humid gallery forest along medium-sized rivers and humid forests around rock outcroppings.

Plant Size: Medium sized bifoliate cattleya with long, leathery leaves. Very similar to Cattleya harrisoniana.

Flower Size: 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches (11.25 cm)

Flower Description: Fragrant. Flowers of Cattleya loddigesii are long-lived and have a pleasant, waxy substance. Color is a uniform light pink magenta with a distinctive, bell-shaped lip. Flowers develop on a 12 inch (30 cm) stem that emerges from a dried sheath. The flower spike has between two to six flowers (occasionally nine).

Bloom Season: Summer

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: Cattleya loddigesii is easy to grow and does not place any exceptional demands on the grower. It is best to repot in the early spring in order to have the plant established when the new growth blooms in the summer.

There are blue (coerulea) forms available included named selections of this species. Cattleya loddigesii var. coerulea 'Sky Blue' is one of the best "blue" cattleyas available and is worth a try if blue is your thing. This species has been used in breeding compact multiflora cattleya hybrids.

Synonyms: Cattleya arembergii; Cattleya obrieniana; Cattleya ovata; Epidendrum canaliculatum; Epidendrum harrisoniae; Epidendrum loddigesii; Epidendrum violaceum