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

Cattleya labiata

Previously known as:

  • Cattleya warocqueana
Phonetic Spelling
KAT-lee-yuh lay-bee-AH-ta
Description

Crimson cattleya is an epiphytic, tropical herbaceous perennial member of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It is native to seasonally dry areas of Brazil. The species epithet, labiata, means “lipped” and refers to the showy lip on this orchid flower.

The cultural conditions for the crimson cattleya are the same as for other cattleya orchids. 

The crimson cattleya is unifoliate, meaning it has just one leaf per pseudobulb. It flowers from the current season’s growth. The flower buds emerge from the sheath about two months after the pseudobulb and leaf have matured. The crimson cattleya is highly variable in flower color and form throughout its range. Numerous color forms and varieties have been named, but these are no longer treated as distinct from the species. It has been much used in hybridization, imparting flower color, lip color pattern, flower shape, size and substance to its hybrid offspring. 

The crimson cattleya 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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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#specimen#purple flowers#pink flowers#colorful#epiphytic#pet friendly#hanging baskets#magenta 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#houseplant#specimen#purple flowers#pink flowers#colorful#epiphytic#pet friendly#hanging baskets#magenta 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:
    labiata
    Family:
    Orchidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Brazil
    Distribution:
    cultivated worldwide.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 3 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 3 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:
    High
  • 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
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    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
    Rubbery
    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