Epidendrum bractiacuminatum
Common Name: Gradually-Tapering-Floral-Bract Epidendrum
Native to: Ecuador. Epidendrum bractiacuminatum is another large-growing terrestrial orchid native to cool cloud forests. It grows between 2100 and 2200 meters in elevation and its habitat is partially protected by the Guacamayo Cloudforest Reserve.
Plant Size: Large. The tall canes are erect and have many leaves spaced along the length of the stem.
Flower Size: size
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum bractiacuminatum vary in color. Many flowers are produced on a flower spike that emerges from the top of maturing reed-stem growths. The flowers open up over a long period extending the flower show for many months.
Bloom Season: Late Spring to Fall
Growing Temperature: Cool
Additional Information: Epidendrum bractiacuminatum is closely related to Epidendrum macrostachyum but differs in minor floral details. Grow in cool conditions in a well-drained pot with quality terrestrial orchid mix. Cool, humid conditions and even moisture practically guarantee success.
Synonyms: None.
Epidendrum bracteolatum - Small-Bracted Epidendrum
Epidendrum bracteolatum
Common Name: Small-Bracted Epidendrum
Native to: Ecuador, Peru. Epidendrum bracteolatum grows on trees in low-elevation dry forests.
Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum bracteolatum has jointed, elongated, plump pseudobulb that have two or three green leaves.
Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum bracteolatum are white and bloom on a 16 inch (40 cm) long flower stem that develops at the tip of mature pseudobulbs. The flower stem has many flowers that are clustered near the top. Flowers emit a pleasant fragrance during the evening.
Bloom Season: Fall to Spring
Growing Temperature: Warm
Additional Information: This species is an interesting mixture between a pseudobulb-like Encyclia and a tall reed-stem Epidendrum. Grow mounted on cork bark, tree fern, or drift wood. As an alternative to mounted culture, this species may also be grown in a pot with a coarse, free-draining media. Provide ample water and fertilizer during periods of active growth and let the plant dry slightly during the winter when temperatures are cooler. A warm, bright spot in the Cattleya greenhouse is a good location for this plant.
Synonyms: Epidendrum collare, Epidendrum leucopyramis
Common Name: Small-Bracted Epidendrum
Native to: Ecuador, Peru. Epidendrum bracteolatum grows on trees in low-elevation dry forests.
Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum bracteolatum has jointed, elongated, plump pseudobulb that have two or three green leaves.
Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum bracteolatum are white and bloom on a 16 inch (40 cm) long flower stem that develops at the tip of mature pseudobulbs. The flower stem has many flowers that are clustered near the top. Flowers emit a pleasant fragrance during the evening.
Bloom Season: Fall to Spring
Growing Temperature: Warm
Additional Information: This species is an interesting mixture between a pseudobulb-like Encyclia and a tall reed-stem Epidendrum. Grow mounted on cork bark, tree fern, or drift wood. As an alternative to mounted culture, this species may also be grown in a pot with a coarse, free-draining media. Provide ample water and fertilizer during periods of active growth and let the plant dry slightly during the winter when temperatures are cooler. A warm, bright spot in the Cattleya greenhouse is a good location for this plant.
Synonyms: Epidendrum collare, Epidendrum leucopyramis
Epidendrum brachycorymbosum - Short Corymb Epidendrum
Epidendrum brachycorymbosum
Common Name: Short Corymb Epidendrum
Native to: Ecuador. Epidendrum brachycorymbosum is native to the Andes mountains where it is found growing as a terrestrial plant on east-facing slopes between 1500 and 1650 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Medium. The smallish plants have fleshy cane-like stems that and covered with about nine leaves which are concentrated on the upper two-thirds of the stem.
Flower Size: Small. 0.5 inches (1.5 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum brachycorymbosum are produced on a short terminal inflorescence and produce up to 30 flowers. No fragrance.
Bloom Season: Winter to Summer
Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm
Additional Information: This species was recently described in the early part of the 21 st century. Grow in a well-drained pot with fresh terrestrial orchid mix and keep evenly moist but not soggy. Epidendrum brachycorymbosum can be satisfactorily grown with Cattleya orchids.
Synonyms: None
Common Name: Short Corymb Epidendrum
Native to: Ecuador. Epidendrum brachycorymbosum is native to the Andes mountains where it is found growing as a terrestrial plant on east-facing slopes between 1500 and 1650 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Medium. The smallish plants have fleshy cane-like stems that and covered with about nine leaves which are concentrated on the upper two-thirds of the stem.
Flower Size: Small. 0.5 inches (1.5 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum brachycorymbosum are produced on a short terminal inflorescence and produce up to 30 flowers. No fragrance.
Bloom Season: Winter to Summer
Growing Temperature: Cool to Warm
Additional Information: This species was recently described in the early part of the 21 st century. Grow in a well-drained pot with fresh terrestrial orchid mix and keep evenly moist but not soggy. Epidendrum brachycorymbosum can be satisfactorily grown with Cattleya orchids.
Synonyms: None
Epidendrum boricuarum
Epidendrum boricuarum
Native to: Ecuador. Epidendrum boricuarum grows as a terrestrial orchid between 1500 and 2850 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Medium?
Flower Size: size
Flower Description: description
Bloom Season: Spring
Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool
Additional Information: Epidendrum boricuarum is a terrestrial orchid that need to grow in a well-drained pot. Plant in a high-quality terrestrial orchid mix. Grow under standard Cattleya conditions. Tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Synonyms: None.
Native to: Ecuador. Epidendrum boricuarum grows as a terrestrial orchid between 1500 and 2850 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Medium?
Flower Size: size
Flower Description: description
Bloom Season: Spring
Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool
Additional Information: Epidendrum boricuarum is a terrestrial orchid that need to grow in a well-drained pot. Plant in a high-quality terrestrial orchid mix. Grow under standard Cattleya conditions. Tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Synonyms: None.
Epidendrum blepharoclinium - Funk's Epidendrum
Epidendrum blepharoclinium
Common Name: Funk's Epidendrum
Native to: Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru. Epidendrum blepharoclinium is found growing in moist mountainous cloud forests on steep, exposed slopes. The plants grow as terrestrial orchids.
Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum blepharoclinium has pseudobulbs with several leaves.
Flower Size: 2.5 inches (6 cm)
Flower Description: Flowers are large and conspicuous and bloom on a 24 inch (60 cm) long, erect flower spike. Each mature growth produces few to many flowers.
Bloom Season: Anytime of the year.
Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool (Adaptable)
Additional Information: This interesting species grows well in pots that have terrestrial orchid mix. Keep on the moist side but avoid over-watering. This species grows well in a Cattleya greenhouse but is adaptable to many different growing regiments.
Synonyms: Epidendrum brachycladium, Epidendrum brachycladium var. crassipes, Epidendrum crassipes, Epidendrum crassipes, Epidendrum dolabrilobum, Epidendrum funckii, Epidendrum pachypodum
Common Name: Funk's Epidendrum
Native to: Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru. Epidendrum blepharoclinium is found growing in moist mountainous cloud forests on steep, exposed slopes. The plants grow as terrestrial orchids.
Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum blepharoclinium has pseudobulbs with several leaves.
Flower Size: 2.5 inches (6 cm)
Flower Description: Flowers are large and conspicuous and bloom on a 24 inch (60 cm) long, erect flower spike. Each mature growth produces few to many flowers.
Bloom Season: Anytime of the year.
Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool (Adaptable)
Additional Information: This interesting species grows well in pots that have terrestrial orchid mix. Keep on the moist side but avoid over-watering. This species grows well in a Cattleya greenhouse but is adaptable to many different growing regiments.
Synonyms: Epidendrum brachycladium, Epidendrum brachycladium var. crassipes, Epidendrum crassipes, Epidendrum crassipes, Epidendrum dolabrilobum, Epidendrum funckii, Epidendrum pachypodum
Orchid Growing Articles
- Cattleya Orchid Care Sheet - Basic orchid growing information
- Mounting orchids on cork bark
- Basic Cattleya Flower Anatomy - Learn about the different flower parts that make up a cattleya blossom.
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.
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)
Growing Cattleya Orchids
Cattleya Orchid Care Sheet
While Cattleya orchid hybrids are usually the species thought of as “orchids” by most people, not many people know that there are 50 species that grow wild in Central and South America. Most species grow high up in the canopy of trees in moist tropical forests at low to medium elevations. Trees covered in Cattleya orchids in full-bloom are quite a sight to see.
Cattleyas are known for their large, showy lip that the plant uses to attract and guide pollinating insects to the pollen.
Cattleya orchids are divided into two classes based on the number of leaves that each growth has. Unifoliate Cattleya species have only one leaf while bifoliate species have two (or more) leaves per pseudobulb. Cattleyas are very closely related to Epidendrums and Laelias and readily hybridize with them to create beautiful new genetic combinations.
Temperature: Most Cattleya orchids are found growing between sea level and 6000 feet in elevation. Day temperatures between 75° F and 85° F degrees and night temperatures between 55° F and 65° F degrees are ideal. Plants in cultivation prefer a ten to 15 degree difference between day and night temperatures.
Air Circulation:
Cattleyas (along with most other tropical orchids) prefer a moderate amount of air circulation. Many growers use fans to generate a gentle breeze. Good air circulation reduces fungal disease problems, too.
Humidity:
Cattleyas prefer 50-60% humidity. Spray the plants with a spray bottle in the morning or place the plants on a try that is filled with gravel and covered with water. This method is useful growers who have a few plants sitting on a windowsill.
Light:
Cattleyas prefer strong, indirect light or dappled light. In the house, grow them in a south or west facing window with a sheer curtain to filter the light to avoid burning the leaves. Fifty to 60 percent shade cloth is adequate for greenhouses.
Potting:
Cattleyas only need to be repotted when they outgrow their pots or the potting media begins to break down. Repot plants when new growths have grown between one and three inches tall. There are many suitable orchid mixes available, but most growers prefer a mix of fir bark, hardwood charcoal and perlite. Mature plants need coarse bark while seedlings need fine bark. Clay or plastic pots are suitable and clear plastic pots have become quite popular in recent years because they allow the grower to see how the roots are growing.
Water:
When fir bark growing mix dries out, it becomes lighter in color and it is time to water. Cattleyas prefer to be throughly watered and then let to dry out. Too much water causes root rot and other disease problems. When in doubt, wait another day to water.
Fertilizer:
Most growers fertilize their orchids every two weeks with commercial, water-soluable orchid fertilizer every two weeks. Water plants that are really dry prior to fertilizing to prevent root burn. Periodically leach the pots with copious amounts of clear water.
_pl__8377_(1911).jpg)
While Cattleya orchid hybrids are usually the species thought of as “orchids” by most people, not many people know that there are 50 species that grow wild in Central and South America. Most species grow high up in the canopy of trees in moist tropical forests at low to medium elevations. Trees covered in Cattleya orchids in full-bloom are quite a sight to see.
Cattleyas are known for their large, showy lip that the plant uses to attract and guide pollinating insects to the pollen.
Cattleya orchids are divided into two classes based on the number of leaves that each growth has. Unifoliate Cattleya species have only one leaf while bifoliate species have two (or more) leaves per pseudobulb. Cattleyas are very closely related to Epidendrums and Laelias and readily hybridize with them to create beautiful new genetic combinations.
Temperature: Most Cattleya orchids are found growing between sea level and 6000 feet in elevation. Day temperatures between 75° F and 85° F degrees and night temperatures between 55° F and 65° F degrees are ideal. Plants in cultivation prefer a ten to 15 degree difference between day and night temperatures.
Air Circulation:
Cattleyas (along with most other tropical orchids) prefer a moderate amount of air circulation. Many growers use fans to generate a gentle breeze. Good air circulation reduces fungal disease problems, too.
Humidity:
Cattleyas prefer 50-60% humidity. Spray the plants with a spray bottle in the morning or place the plants on a try that is filled with gravel and covered with water. This method is useful growers who have a few plants sitting on a windowsill.
Light:
Cattleyas prefer strong, indirect light or dappled light. In the house, grow them in a south or west facing window with a sheer curtain to filter the light to avoid burning the leaves. Fifty to 60 percent shade cloth is adequate for greenhouses.
Potting:
Cattleyas only need to be repotted when they outgrow their pots or the potting media begins to break down. Repot plants when new growths have grown between one and three inches tall. There are many suitable orchid mixes available, but most growers prefer a mix of fir bark, hardwood charcoal and perlite. Mature plants need coarse bark while seedlings need fine bark. Clay or plastic pots are suitable and clear plastic pots have become quite popular in recent years because they allow the grower to see how the roots are growing.
Water:
When fir bark growing mix dries out, it becomes lighter in color and it is time to water. Cattleyas prefer to be throughly watered and then let to dry out. Too much water causes root rot and other disease problems. When in doubt, wait another day to water.
Fertilizer:
Most growers fertilize their orchids every two weeks with commercial, water-soluable orchid fertilizer every two weeks. Water plants that are really dry prior to fertilizing to prevent root burn. Periodically leach the pots with copious amounts of clear water.
_pl__8377_(1911).jpg)
Cattleya rex from Curtis Botanical Magazine
Laelia purpurata var alba ‘Marcia Richter’
Laelia purpurata var alba ‘Marcia Richter’
Laelia purpurata var. alba ‘Marcia Richter’ has white petals and sepals with a yellow throat. This is a particularly nice cultivar with pure white petals and a bright yellow throat.
Well-grown plants can make spectacular specimens. This plant was grown by Mr. Richter.
Photos courtesy of Mr. Robert J. Richter.
Epidendrum bivalve
Epidendrum bivalve
Native to: place
Plant Size: size
Flower Size: size
Flower Description: description
Bloom Season: season
Growing Temperature: temp
Additional Information: something interesting
Synonyms: Get names
Native to: place
Plant Size: size
Flower Size: size
Flower Description: description
Bloom Season: season
Growing Temperature: temp
Additional Information: something interesting
Synonyms: Get names
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