Cattleya Orchid Source

Cattleya Orchid Species

Cattleya violacea

Native to: Guyana, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Brazil. Cattleya violacea grows along rivers in the hot steamy jungles of the north and west ends of the Amazon basin from 200 to 700 meters in elevation.

Plant Size: Medium to medium-small.  Bifoliate.   Pseudobulbs grow ten to twelve inches (25-30 cm) tall and have two rounded leaves. Flowers form as new growth develops.

Flower Size: 5 inches (13 cm)

Flower Description: The flowers of Cattleya violacea are a bright-rose or purple and sometimes have a little bit of white at the tips.  The crimson-purple lip has yellow and white blotches. The flower stem bears 3-5 (sometimes more) flowers on 4 inch (10 cm) stems.  Flowers are fragrant and long-lived.

Bloom Season: Winter, Spring

Growing Temperature: Intermediate to Warm.  Place Cattleya violacea in a warm spot in the greenhouse. 

Additional Information: Cattleya violacea is a lesser-known species worthy of a place in your collection.  Unfortunately, it is one of the more challenging species to grow successfully.  They require heat and moisture year round without a dormant period.  Growing mounted on slabs or in baskets has proven to be the most successful method of culture.  Repot in fall when new roots begin to grow.  Provide very good drainage and air circulation.  There are blue and white varieties available. 

Synonyms: Cattleya schomburgkii; Cattleya superba; Cattleya superba var. alba; Cattleya superba var. ashworthii; Cattleya superba var. splendens; Cattleya superba var. wellsiana; Cattleya violacea f. alba; Cattleya violacea var. alba; Cattleya violacea var. ashworthii; Cattleya violacea var. splendens; Cattleya violacea var. wellsiana; Cymbidium violaceum; Epidendrum superbum; Epidendrum violaceum

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Last Updated 2 July 2007 - © 2006-2008

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