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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Cattleya labiata Flower
Cattleya mossiae Flower
Cattleya trianae Flower
Cattleya forbesii has some common insect problems:
Boisduval Scale
Greenhouse Thrips
Hemispherical Scale
Cattleya forbesii has some other problems:
Slugs & Snails on Ornamental Plants
False Spider Mites

Cattleya forbesii

Phonetic Spelling
KAT-lee-yuh FORB-see-eye
Description

Cocktail orchid is an epiphytic, tropical herbaceous perennial in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It is native to a narrow range of southeastern Brazil (Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina). The species epithet honors “Mr. Forbes,” who sent plants from Rio de Janeiro to England.

The cultural conditions for the cocktail orchid are the same as for other cattleya orchids, except this species does not like to dry out completely between waterings. The cocktail orchid requires consistently moist growing conditions. They tolerate temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees F and prefer moderate to high humidity. A south-facing window works well, and most plants will need 5,000 fc (footcandles) of light intensity to flower consistently (full, direct sunlight is approximately 10,000 fc by comparison). This species is one of the easiest cattleyas to grow.

The cocktail orchid is a bifoliate species, meaning it has two leaves per pseudobulb. It has large, waxy, fragrant flowers that have yellow-tan petals surrounding a central white tubular lip with a yellow interior. The flowers are long-lasting. The species has been used extensively in hybridization to impart yellow-bronze color, good flower substance and flat conformation and the ability to flower throughout the year; however, the small lip and narrow flower parts are dominant in hybrid offspring.

The cocktail orchid is grown as a greenhouse plant or houseplant. It can be grown outside in the summer.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: If kept outside, the plant may be attacked by slugs, snails, thrips, scale insects and mealybugs. Search the plant periodically for spider mites. They can be problematic when the humidity is too low.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Cattleya.

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Tags:
#showy flowers#fragrant flowers#houseplant#specimen#white flowers#green flowers#yellow flowers#colorful#epiphytic#pet friendly#hanging baskets#cream flowers#herbaceous perennial#large flowers#orchid#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#fragrant flowers#houseplant#specimen#white flowers#green flowers#yellow flowers#colorful#epiphytic#pet friendly#hanging baskets#cream flowers#herbaceous perennial#large flowers#orchid#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cattleya
    Species:
    forbesii
    Family:
    Orchidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Brazil
    Distribution:
    Cultivated worldwide.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Lipped
    Flower Size:
    > 6 inches
    Flower Description:
    A terminal raceme, only one stalk growing per pseudobulb. The inflorescence is enclosed in a sheath to support the weight of the flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Waxy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Leaf Shape:
    Oblong
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves emerge from pseudobulbs and are thick, waxy, and leathery. The venation is parallel and the midveins are deeply impressed.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Specimen