A robust epiphyte from the cloud forests of Central America, bearing large, commanding flowers with broad, undulating sepals and petals. The defining feature is its enormous, elaborately fringed lip — one of the most iconic in the orchid world and a cornerstone of Cattleya alliance hybridization.
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Light: Bright indirect light with 30–50% shade cloth; tolerates higher light than most alliance species, which promotes blooming.
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Temperature: 60–85°F (16–29°C); a warm grower that appreciates a slight temperature drop at night to initiate flowering.
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Humidity: 50–70%; moderate to high humidity with excellent airflow around the roots and pseudobulbs.
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Watering: Water thoroughly and allow to dry slightly between waterings; well-developed pseudobulbs provide good drought tolerance.
Additional Notes
Best grown in a coarse bark mix or mounted on cork bark with excellent drainage. The fragrant blooms are produced from mature pseudobulbs and benefit from a brief dry rest period after growth matures. Ships bare-root in excellent condition.
