Species Orchid, Intermediate Cattleya

Cattleya intermedia, as the name says, is a so-so Cattleya - still, has a very above average beauty. Its flowers aren´t as big, as color...Read Moreful, nor as scented as other plants of this group. But still, this is one of the most popular orchids, and is parent to many hybrids.

This brazilian epiphyte has cylindric, medium sized pseudobulbs with a pair of leathery leaves on the top. From the top emerges an inflorescence, bearing 5-8 flowers. These flowers have waxy petals, varrying from white to magenta. The lip folds the broad, often white column, with a broad frontal lobule that´s usually magenta.

This plant needs light shade, organic medium (bark bits or fiber), high moisture, humidity and temperatures.

Even though this is largely cultivated and propagated, the species is in serious risk of extinction on its natural habitat due to illegal collectors.