Cattleya Orchid Source

Encyclia alboxanthina Photos

2011-09-18T00:30:00.000-05:00

Photo of Encyclia alboxanthina from Brazil.
João de Deus Medeiros.

This is a nice example of Encyclia alboxanthina which is a Brazilian Encyclia orchid species. I really like the yellow-green color of the petals and sepals. This photo is of a species growing in the wild.

For more information on how to grow Encyclia alboxanthina, read this article on a related Encyclia species.

Nice Cattleya lueddemanniana Variety

2011-09-17T00:30:00.000-05:00

Photo of Cattleya lueddemanniana 'Eduardo' x 'Macaray'
Image by 0rchidHunter.

Cattleya lueddemanniana 'Eduardo' x 'Macaray' is a very nice example of some of the possibilities from crossing excellent individuals within a species. This flower was exhibited at the Dever Orchid Show in 2011. Cattleya lueddemanniana blooms in the spring.

Check out this article for Cattleya lueddemanniana growing information and species description.

Cattleya labiata Fall Blooming Orchid Species

2011-09-16T00:30:00.000-05:00

Cattleya labiata is one of the finest fall-blooming orchid species. It is easy to grow and produces a few flowers per growth reliably each autumn. Here are some photos of Cattleya labiata.

A very fine Cattleya labiata orchid species cultivar. This plant won
an award at the 2010 fall orchid show in Denver. Photo by 0rchidhunter.

A "blue" variety of Cattleya labiata. This plant is grow in Brazil.
Cattleya labiata coerulea. Photo by PSantaRosa.

Typical purple form of Cattleya labiata. This species orchid blooms
in the fall. Photo by espinheira.

Check out the Cattleya labiata species description and culture guide for more orchid species growing information.

Laelia rubescens Photographs

2011-09-15T04:00:00.000-05:00

Photograph of Laelia rubescens.
Pale lavender flowers bloom on compact plants.
Photo by orchidgalore.

Laelia rubescens is one of my favorite species of Laelia from Mexico. The pale lavender flowers are charming. Grow in baskets or mount on cork bark to make stunning specimens.

See the blog post on Laelia rubescens for more information on the species description and orchid species cultural information.

Cattleya mossiae v. coerulea 'Alayon'

2011-09-14T04:00:00.000-05:00

Cattleya mossiae v. coerulea 'Alayon'. Image by orchidgalore.

Cattleya mossiae v. coerulea 'Alayon' is a fine selection of a great Cattleya orchid species. Flowers are a clear lavender-pink color. Petals are very full and overlap the sepals giving the flower a full, rounded appearance. I wish that this orchid species was growing in my collection.

Visit the Cattleya mossiae orchid species post for more information for growing Cattleya mossiae.

Laelia pururata (syn. Cattleya purpurata) pictures

2011-09-13T15:05:00.000-05:00

Laelia purpurata (now known as Cattleya purpurata) is one of the most spectacular orchid species. It flowers in the late spring or early summer and bears many colorful flowers.

Laelia purpurata plant in full bloom.
Image by Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis

This well-grown plant looks like it is about 30 inches tall. Each pseudobulb produces several flowers. Laelia purpurata has several different colorful forms.

Typical flower color and form of
Laelia purpurata (Syn. Cattleya purpurata).
Image by Stephen Van Kampen-Lewis.

This is the typical form of Laelia purpurata. The petals and sepals are white tinged with rose or purple with a darker purple lip.

Laelia purpurata v. Werckhauseri...the blue Laelia.
Image by orchidgalore.

Blue orchid lovers really like Laelia purpurata v. Werckhauseri. The petals are white stained with a hint of coreulea blue. This variety is used as a parent in blue orchid hybrids.

Cattleya purpurata var. carnea showing
the delicate veins in the pink lip.
Image by orchidgalore.

Laelia purpurata v. carnea has almost pure white flowers with a pink lip. It is easy to see why there are some orchid collectors who specialize in collecting different varieties of this species.

Laelia purpurata venosa 'Bella'.
Image by orchidgalore.

One last variety for today. This is a named variety of Laelia purpurata named Laelia purpurata venosa "Bella". Note the fine striations throughout the petals, sepals, and lip.

Laelia purpurata is easy to grow in typical Cattleya orchid growing conditions. For more information, please read the article on Laelia purpurata.

Get What You Really Wanted For Christmas

2011-01-02T13:46:00.001-06:00

Available in men's, women's, & children's sizes.

Get ready for the spring orchid shows with these stylish orchid t-shirts. Each shirt features a classic botanical illustration featuring some of the most beautiful orchids around.

Shop Now.

The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala Is Back In Print

2011-01-02T13:19:00.007-06:00

One of the rarest orchid books is now back in print!

The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala by James Bateman

The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala is a lavishly illustrated orchidclassic from the mid-19th century. This book describes an orchid expedition and the adventures that collectors experienced in the New World. Forty orchids are featured with beautiful full color illustrations. This book is a revised and expanded edition of the original 1843 edition. Originally, only royalty and the wealthiest men in Europe could purchase this book. Now it is available to every orchid enthusiast.

Order your copy today!

Epidendrum and Leptotes

2010-12-25T06:25:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum

The genus Epidendrum is large and varied. Most plants have reed-like, compressed pseudobulbs with leaves distributed along the length of the pseudobulb at nodes. However, some have small, round pseudobulbs with one or more leaves. Generally the flowers are small. See individual species descriptions for growing information.

Epidendrum Species Orchids

Encyclia & Euchile

2010-12-25T06:17:00.002-06:00

Encyclia Orchid Species - List of Species

Encyclia

The genus Encyclia is a widespread and diverse genus of orchids. There are approximately 242 species that are found growing throughout tropical America and the West Indies. All the species grow on tree or shrub branches in the wild. The prefer climates that have distinctive wet and dry seasons. Many species have foliage and growth characteristics similar to Cattleya species. The flower spike grows from the top of the pseudobulb. Some species have strikingly beautiful flowers. Other species have unremarkable or insignificant flowers. The largest flower of any of the Encyclia species is 4 cm. Some orchid collectors specialize in this genus and it is gaining in popularity. Encyclia orchids are used in breeding with other members of the Cattleya family to form interesting hybrids. The English botanist Hooker first described the type species, Encyclia viridiflora, in 1828.

Many species are easy to grow and can be very rewarding for beginners and expert hobbyists alike. Most grow well when mounted on tree branches, driftwood, cork mounts, tree fern plaques, or potted in fast-draining open growing media (like fir bark). Intermediate growing conditions are generally suitable for most species. Let plants dry between watering. Some require a dry winter rest.

Encyclia Species Orchids

Epidendrum yungasense

2010-12-18T14:13:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum yungasense

Native to: Bolivia. Epidendrum yungasense grows on trees in mountain forests between 1700 and 1900 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Medium?
Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Flower Description: Flowers are produced on a terminal inflorescence.
Bloom Season: Spring?
Growing Temperature: Warm
Additional Information: Grow mounted on cork or tree fern. Mist and water regularly.
Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum xanthinum

2010-12-18T14:12:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum xanthinum

Common Name: Yellow Epidendrum Orchid
Native to: Central America, northern South America. Epidendrum xanthinum grows as a terrestrial plant between 1500 and 2200 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Large. Epidendrum xanthinum has tall, reed-like stems with several alternate leaves along the length.
Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Flower Description: The yellow flowers of Epidendrum xanthinum are clustered at the tip of a 24 inch (60 cm) stem that forms at the top of the cane.
Bloom Season: Spring, Fall
Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool
Additional Information: Epidendrum xanthinum is a terrestrial orchid grows best in well-drained pots with terrestrial orchid mix. Provide even water and fertilizer throughout the year. Stake if the stems become top heavy.
Synonyms: Epidendrum ellipticum var. flavum

Epidendrum wrightii

2010-12-18T14:11:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum wrightii

Native to: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti. Epidendrum wrightii grows on trees in warm, humid forests at fairly low elevations.
Plant Size: Small. Epidendrum wrightii has reed-like stems with several leaves.
Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum wrightii form on short flower stems that form on maturing canes. There are many flowers per growth.
Bloom Season: Spring to Fall
Growing Temperature: Warm
Additional Information: Keep this species on the dry side and provide bright light and sunny growing conditions. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern.
Synonyms: Amphiglottis wrightii, Epidendrum nasutum

Epidendrum whittenii

2010-12-18T14:10:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum whittenii

Common Name: Whitten's Epidendrum Orchid
Native to: Ecuador, Peru. Epidendrum whittenii grows on trees in the upper part of the canopy. This species grows on eastern slopes and foothills of the andes between 700 and 1400 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Miniature. Epidendrum whittenii has small reed-like stems with succulent leaves.
Flower Size: 1.25 inches (2.75 cm)
Flower Description: Up to four flowers are produced per growth. The fragrant flowers open up one at a time.
Bloom Season: Winter to Summer
Growing Temperature: Warm
Additional Information: Epidendrum whittenii was named in honor of Dr. Whitten who is an orchid researcher and enthusiast at the University of Florida. This species was first published in 1999.
Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum warrasii

2010-12-18T14:09:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum warrasii

Common Name: Warras' Epidendrum
Native to: Brazil. Epidendrum warrasii grows as a terrestrial plant or on rocks in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
Plant Size: Large. Epidendrum warrasii produces tall, reed-like stems with many sword-shaped leaves.
Flower Size: 0.8 inches (2 cm)
Flower Description: Several flowers bloom on a tall, gracefully arching flower stem.
Bloom Season: Spring to Summer
Growing Temperature: Cool
Additional Information: Epidendrum warrasii was discovered in 1973 and is named after the person who found the first specimen in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Grow in a pot or slatted basket with terrestrial orchid mix. The plants get large with age and may require staking to keep the tall stems erect.
Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum volutum

2010-12-18T14:08:00.003-06:00

Epidendrum volutum

Common Name: Rolled-petal Epidendrum
Native to: Panama. Epidendrum volutum grows on trees.
Plant Size: Medium.
Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Flower Description: Epidendrum volutum produces a 6 inch (15 cm) long arching flower stem that bears one flower. The flowers are fragrant and long-lasting. Flowering stems are produced at the tip of the stems as the growth begins to mature.
Bloom Season: Late Winter to Spring
Growing Temperature: Warm
Additional Information: Grow this species mounted on cork or tree fern. Provide warm, humid growing conditions and even water and fertilizer throughout the year.
Synonyms: Epidendrum radlkoferianum

Epidendrum viridibrunneum

2010-12-18T14:08:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum viridibrunneum

Common Name: Green and Pale Brown Epidendrum Orchid
Native to: Ecuador, Peru. Epidendrum viridibrunneum grows on trees between 1100 and 1600 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Medium
Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum viridibrunneum are green with brown markings.
Bloom Season: Fall
Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool
Additional Information: Epidendrum viridibrunneum was first described in 1861. Grow mounted on cork or grow in a slatted basket or well-drained pot. Provide even moisture and fertilizer throughout the year.
Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum villotae

2010-12-18T14:06:00.003-06:00

Epidendrum villotae

Common Name: Villota's Epidendrum
Native to: Columbia and Ecuador. Epidendrum villotae grows on trees in mangrove and rain forests up to 260 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum villotae has reed-like stems that have up to 6 leaves.
Flower Size: 1.25 inches (3 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum villotae are produced in great quantity on a tall flower stem. Although a mature plant can have 60 flower buds, only one or two are open at any one time. No fragrance.
Bloom Season: Fall is the main bloom season; it can bloom during other seasons.
Growing Temperature: Warm
Additional Information: Epidendrum villotae is named in honor of a Columbian orchid enthusiast. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern or grow in a slatted pot or basket. This species likes warm, humid growing conditions.
Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum vesicatum

2010-12-18T14:06:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum vesicatum

Common Name: Bladder Epidendrum Orchid
Native to: Brazil. Epidendrum vesicatum grows on trees in warm, humid forests.
Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum vesicatum has a pendant growth habit.
Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Flower Description: Epidendrum vesicatum produces several flowers on a terminal inflorescence.
Bloom Season: Spring?
Growing Temperature: Warm
Additional Information: Epidendrum vesicatum was first discovered in 1838. Grow mounted on cork, driftwood, or tree fern. Water and mist regularly and provide adequate air circulation.
Synonyms: Epidendrum villotae

Epidendrum veroscriptum

2010-12-18T14:05:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum veroscriptum

Common Name: Lettered Epidendrum Orchid
Native to: Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua. Epidendrum veroscriptum grows on trees between 700 and 1700 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Small to Medium. Epidendrum veroscriptum has short, cane-like stems that have a few leaves.
Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Flower Description: Fragrant. Epidendrum veroscriptum blooms on a 15 inch (35 cm) branched flower stem. Many flowers bloom at once and perfume the air. The petals and sepals are green and the lip is white with purple markings.
Bloom Season: Summer to Fall
Growing Temperature: Warm
Additional Information: Epidendrum veroscriptum is an attractive species and is a welcome addition most any collection. Grow this species mounted on cork bark, tree fern, or grow in slatted baskets or well-drained pots. Provide even water and fertilizer throughout the year and warm growing conditions.
Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum upanodifforme

2010-12-18T14:01:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum upanodifforme

Common Name: Upano Difforme Epidendrum Orchid
Native to: Ecuador. Epidendrum upanodifforme is native to a river basin that is on the eastern slope of the Andes mountains. This species grows on trees between 1000 and 1600 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum upanodifforme is variable in plant size. The stems have many leaves.
Flower Size: 0.5 inches (1 cm)
Flower Description: The small flowers are borne on a short terminal inflorescence that produces a few flowers. The flowers of Epidendrum upanodifforme are similar to Epidendrum difforme. All the flowers open at the same time.
Bloom Season: Spring
Growing Temperature: Warm
Additional Information: This species is related to Epidendrum difforme and can be grown the same way. Epidendrum upanodifforme was described in 1999 and is native to the Upano river basin.
Synonyms: None.

Epidendrum umbelliferum

2010-12-18T14:00:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum umbelliferum

Common Name: Umbel-Flowered Epidendrum
Native to: Florida, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, El Salvador, Columbia, Peru, Ecuador, Guyana, Brazil, and islands in the Caribbean. It grows on trees.
Plant Size: Miniature.
Flower Size: 0.5 inches (1 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum umbelliferum are produced on a tightly packed, unbranched terminal inflorescence.
Bloom Season: Spring
Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool
Additional Information: Epidendrum umbelliferum is closely related to Epidendrum difforme but has enough unique characteristics to remain as a distinct species. Grow mounted on cork bark or tree fern and provide even moisture and fertilizer throughout the year.
Synonyms: Epidendrum chlorocorymbos, Epidendrum panegyricum, Epidendrum pseudodifforme, Epidendrum subumbellatum

Epidendrum umbellatum

2010-12-18T13:59:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum umbellatum

Common Name: Umbrella Epidendrum Orchid
Native to: Central America and northern South America and some Caribbean islands. Epidendrum umbellatum is widespread and adapts to growing on trees in many environments and niches.
Plant Size: Medium. Epidendrum umbellatum has stems with several leaves.
Flower Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum umbellatum are produced freely on a terminal inflorescence.
Bloom Season: Spring
Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool
Additional Information: Epidendrum umbellatum was first described to science in 1788 and is frequently confused with Epidendrum difforme. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern or driftwood. Provide water and fertilizer during the warm months and provide less water and nutrition during cooler months. This species is easy-to-grow.
Synonyms: Epidendrum panegyricum, Neolehmannia difformis

Epidendrum uleinanodes

2010-12-18T13:58:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum uleinanodes

Common Name: Ule's Dwarf-like Epidendrum Orchid
Native to: Brazil to Peru. Epidendrum uleinanodes grows in wet mountainous forests up to 1850 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Miniature. Epidendrum uleinanodes has short stems covered in elliptical leaves.
Flower Size: 0.5 inches (1.5 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum uleinanodes are produced in pairs on a short inflorescence. Flowers are large in proportion to the plant.
Bloom Season: Summer to Early Fall
Growing Temperature: Warm to Cool
Additional Information: Grow Epidendrum uleinanodes mounted on cork bark or tree fern fiber. Provide more water and fertilizer during warm months and keep the plant drier during the winter. This species is similar to Epidendrum schlechterianum but has a different color flower.
Synonyms: Epidendrum schizoclinandrium

Epidendrum tuxtlense

2010-12-18T13:57:00.001-06:00

Epidendrum tuxtlense

Common Name: Tuxtla Epidendrum
Native to: Mexico. Epidendrum tuxtlense is found growing in the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Vera Cruz. This species grows on trees in rain-forests and deciduous forests between 1300 and 1700 meters in elevation.
Plant Size: Medium to Large. Epidendrum tuxtlense has tall, reed-like stems that have many leaves.
Flower Size: 0.33 inches (1 cm)
Flower Description: The flowers of Epidendrum tuxtlense are produced on a short, tightly packed flower stem that develops from the tip of mature stems. Unlike most other species, the flower stem produces flowers for several years. One growth can produce up to 32 blooms. Flowers are fragrant.
Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Fall
Growing Temperature: Warm
Additional Information: Epidendrum tuxtlense is named after the San Andres de Tuxtla region in the Mexican state of Vera Cruz. Grow mounted on cork or tree fern plaques or grow in a slatted basket. This species was first described to the scientific community in 1999 and is very similar to Epidendrum polyanthemum.
Synonyms: None.