Ruby-Lipped Cattleya Cattleya labiata

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.