Species Orchid, Cattleya, Scarlet Cattleya

This is a diminuative yet truly beautiful species. It grows in the treetops of South America. A sparkling intense red flower with very ...Read Morenice yellow patterning in the lip.

This is a very small epiphyte from southeastern brazilian forests, living on trees, usually under partial to full shade, in very humid pl...Read Moreaces.

It is a small plant, with tiny pseudobulbs and small round leaves. The flowers are single, up to 5cm across (this may be the larger organ of these plants), with a bright red color and some yellow touches. The round shape of the petals and the bright color seduced the orchid growers, and lots of hybrids carry these characteristics (the Sophrolaeliocattleyas listed on this data base, for example, where "Sophro" comes from Sophronitis).

It needs an organic medium, preferably a bark bit. It needs constant moisture and high humidity. Protect it from direct sun light and wind. It deals well with low temperatures, but never below 0°C. This is a small plant, and will not take much room

Once a common plant in cultivation, the interest on this species has been fading as the hybrids seem to be a lot easier to grow. Still, a significative amount of plants currently in the market are illegally collected from their natural habitats. They are becoming rare not only in cultivation, but in nature too.