Family: Orchidaceae

Native to Central and South America, this genus comprises over 40 species of mostly epiphytic orchids, as well as countless hybrids, making it one of the most widely grown of the orchid groups. The genus divides to two main groups, the unifoliates (with one leaf at the top of the pseudobulh) and the bifoliates (with two leaves). Both types are widely grown and in the US are cultivated in a cool or intermediate greenhouse or conservatory, or as house plants on windowsills. Most flower between autumn and spring, few in summer. Cattleya is related to Laelia, Sophronitis, Epidendrum and Brassavola and hybrids are available in many colours from cross-breeding with these genera, sometimes three or four genera parenting a single plant.

Species

C. amethystoglossa, a bifoliate from Brazil, is splendid when in flower, bearing up to 12 flowers, each about 8 cm (3 in) across. The amethyst sepals and petals are spotted and blotched in a deeper shade and the lip is coloured rich purple.

C. bowringiana, a bifoliate from Central America, is very popular as it is grows quickly and flowers profusely. The stems grow up to 50 cm (20 in) high and produce five to ten terminal flowers in rosy lilac, the lip in a deeper shade, and the yellow throat marked with purple streaks. The broad, tongue-shaped lip has frilled margins.

C. labiata, from Brazil, is a superb species and the parent of many, many hybrids. A unifoliate type, it produces between two and five flowers, each being about 15 cm (6 in) across. It has broad, frilled, rose-lavender petals, with a large lip in the same colour, a rich crimson front and a yellow throat. Few species are grown, except by collectors. Most growers prefer the showier hybrids.

Cultivation

Under glass or indoors, these orchids are grown in pots or in slatted orchid baskets. Use a compost formulated for epiphytic orchids, containing chipped bark and charcoal, which should be available from specialist orchid growers. They like bright lightbut should be shaded from direct sun. High humidity, coupled with plenty of ventilation, will ensure the right growing conditions. Water normally as required in summer but considerably reduce watering in winter. Liquid feed weekly in the summer. Propagation is by division of congested plants when repotting them in spring.

Climate

Zone 10 and above.