How to identify Cattleya (Cattleya)

How to identify Cattleya (Cattleya)

Cattleya showcases notable large, vibrant flowers often in shades of lavender, pink, or sometimes with interesting bi-color patterns. Its pseudobulbs tend to be elongated, giving rise to thick, leathery leaves typically seen in pairs. This species thrives in strong but filtered light, with its roots anchored to a potting medium designed to provide excellent drainage. Typically, it reaches an average height of 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm), with individual blooms measuring up to 8 inches (20 cm) across. The flowers also sport a distinctive three-lobed lip highly regarded for its ornamental appeal.

Lifespan: Perennial

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Cattleya

Vibrant large flowers in lavender, pink, or bi-color patterns.

Thick, leathery leaves in pairs, emerging from elongated pseudobulbs.

Distinctive three-lobed lip on flowers, measuring up to 8 inches (20 cm) across.

Flowers in terminal raceme, with 2 to 5 blooms per stalk.

Leaves are waxy, parallel-veined, 4 to 15 inches (10 to 38 cm) long.

Detailed Traits of Cattleya

Leaf Features

The leaves of cattleya emerge from pseudobulbs, with one to six leaves per bulb. They are thick, waxy, and leathery, typically ranging from 4 to 15 inches (10 to 38 cm) in length and 3 inches (8 cm) in width. The venation is parallel, featuring deeply impressed midveins. These key characteristics, including their robust texture and prominent vein pattern, are crucial for identification.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Cattleya produces large, vibrant flowers typically measuring between 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 cm), with some species having flowers as small as 2 inches (5 cm). Each inflorescence features 2 to 5 flowers in a terminal raceme, sometimes boasting tens of flowers. The individual segments are broad, and the lip of the flower often contrasts in color from the rest of the bloom. The flowers are enclosed in a sheath, supporting their substantial weight with one stalk per pseudobulb.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

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