Cattleya Orchids

cattleya orchid species have largely given way to hybrids, but there are several superior species forms still available.

Cattleya aurantiaca: this bifoliate grows to 1 foot tall. The flowers are thick, fragrant, bright orange or orange-red, and 1 inch across. It blooms from summer to fall. Commonly used in breeding, Cattleya aurantiaca is an ancestor of many of the orange to red hybrids. It occurs in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Cattleya bicolor: The shoots of this bifoliate may reach 4 feet. Its flowers are fragrant, and spread up to 4 inches across. The sepals and petals are golden green with a coppery tinge and the narrow lip is a brilliant purplish red. The plant flowers in the fall and may bloom again in spring. It is found in Brazil.

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Cattleya Guttata: Usually about 3 feet tall, vigorous forms of this bifoliate may grow to 5 feet. The fragrant yellow-green flowers are marked with purple. The lip is usually magenta, and may have white lobes. It flowers from late fall to winter. Cattleya guttata is often used in hybridization. It is native to Brazil.

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Cattleya labiata: This unifoliate grows 2 feet tall. Its rosy flowers have excellent proportions and a fine texture. The large, ruffled lip -for which the species is named- is deep rose with dark lines leading to a pair of yellow spots in the throat. The flowers are fragrant and long lasting. The plants bloom in fall in response to shorter days. A lamp left on in the evening during fall can prevent flowering. It is native to Brazil.

Cattleya skinneri: This bifoliate is about 2 feet tall. Its rose, purple, or white flowers are about 3 inches across with a glittery texture and a faint fragrance. The plant has an excellent habit and makes many new growths every year. It flowers from late winter to spring. This species may be found in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia.

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