Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: Christmas Orchid, Percival's Cattleya

Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae

Synonym: Cattleya percivaliana var. albescens

Distribution: Colombia to NW and N Venezuela

Habitat: Near rivers; 4265-6560ft (1300-2000m)

Life form: Lithophytic

Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): December to February; peaks in January and February

Bloom characteristics: Inflorescence is 10" (25.4 cm) long with 3-4 short-lived, pink flowers. Flowers are up to 5" (12.7 cm) across.

Fragrance: Musty

Description: This large orchid is one of many known as a “Christmas Orchid” due to when it flowers. This plant produces slightly smaller flowers than Cattleya labiata, but typically have a better form, with fuller and flatter petals. It is named for an English orchid enthusiast of the 1800s.

Comments: Cattleya percivaliana