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Cattleya orchid

Cattleya labiata · Family Orchidaceae

Also known as: cattleya, corsage orchid, queen of orchids

Cattleya orchid
Photo: Cássio van den Berg · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
Light
Bright indirect to full sun
Watering
Every 6 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Pet-safe
Yes

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Care

Where to put it

The brightest windowsill in the house or a conservatory.

Light

Plenty of bright light, including some soft morning sun.

Watering

Let the bark dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly and drain.

About the plant

Called the queen of orchids, it has large, fragrant, intensely coloured flowers. Cattleya labiata is Brazilian and widely grown by collectors. It flowers once a year, usually in autumn.

Origin

Native to north-east Brazil, in humid woods and hills of Pernambuco, Ceará and nearby states.

What it likes

  • Lots of light, with morning sun
  • Drying well between waterings
  • Good air circulation

What it dislikes

  • Constantly damp roots
  • Low light
  • Oversized pots

Did you know?

The genus honours William Cattley, who got plants sent from Brazil to England to flower in the 19th century.

Listed in

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