Brazilian Orchid Cattleya
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Sophronitis
- Phonetic Spelling
- KAT-lee-yuh
- Description
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A genus of orchids native to much of South America. They can be lithophytes (grow on rocks) or epiphytes (grow on trees) and generally prefer humid environments. Many different species, cultivars, and hybrids exist for cultivation, most bearing large, colorful, showy flowers.
These plants grow best in bright, indirect light; the leaves will be lime green in color when the light levels are optimal. A south-facing window works well and most will need 5,000 fc light intensity to flower consistently (full, direct sunlight is approximately 10,000 fc by comparison). They tolerate temperatures between 60 and 90 F and prefer higher humidity levels. Let the potting mix mostly dry out between waterings, but never let it fully dry. Only divide if there will be least 4-5 pseudobulbs per division.
Quick ID:
- Thin pseudobulbs that emerge from the rhizome
- Thick, waxy leaves
- Colorful flowers with wide segments
VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- C. forbesii, C. labiata, C. mossiae, C. trianae
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- C. forbesii, C. labiata, C. mossiae, C. trianae
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cattleya
- Family:
- Orchidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Epiphyte
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Variegated
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Shape:
- Funnel
- Lipped
- Flower Size:
- > 6 inches
- Flower Description:
- The inflorescence usually contains 2-5 flowers in a terminal raceme, though some species have tens of flowers per inflorescence. Only one stalk grows per pseudobulb. The inflorescence is enclosed in a sheath to support the weight of the flowers. The flowers are large and brightly colorful, most being between 4"-10" with some species as small at 2". The segments of the flower are wide. The lips will often contrast in color from the rest of the flower.
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Leaves:
- 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, one to six leaves per bulb. They are thick, waxy, and leathery, ranging from 4"-15" in length and 3" wide. The venation is parallel and the midveins are deeply impressed.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Design Feature:
- Specimen
