Cattleya mendelii

Cattleya mendelii

Native to: Cattleya mendelii is native to Columbia where it is found growing on rock outcroppings in eastern Cordillera in the Andes mountains.

Plant Size: Medium. Unifoliate. The shiny pseudobulbs of Cattleya mendelii have one very leathery leaf growing from the top.

Flower Size: 7 to 8 inches (17.5 to 20 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Cattleya mendelii have very pale lavender sepals and petals against a rich purple lip. Petals and sepals are wide and create a beautiful, well-formed flower. There are many semi-alba clones. Flowers are not quite as substantial as other large-flowered cattleya species.

Bloom Season: Late Spring

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm

Additional Information: Cattleya mendelii is another Columbian species with a large flower and classic corsage orchid appeal. This is one of the easiest species of the genus to grow. It is known for its exceptional vigor and ability to reliably produce 3 to 4 flowers per stem each April or May. New growth begins during the middle of summer and finishes growth in autumn. The plant rests until February or March when flower buds begin to develop in the sheath. Give plants less water during the winter. The roots are supposedly more resistant to rot than many other cattleya species.

Synonyms: Cattleya bluntii; Cattleya cupidon; Cattleya labiata var. bella; Cattleya labiata var. mendelii; Cattleya mendelii var. morganae