Cattleya maxima var. alba x Cattleya violacea var. alba

Prepare to be captivated by the exquisite beauty of this primary hybrid between Cattleya maxima var. alba x Cattleya violacea var. alba. With its pure white flowers, this hybrid is truly impressive. The pristine white blooms, measuring nearly 14cm in size, create a stunning visual display that is hard to resist.

What sets this hybrid apart is not just its aesthetic appeal but also its robust growth and remarkable resilience. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, making it an ideal choice for orchid enthusiasts of all levels of experience. Whether you are a seasoned cultivator or just starting your orchid journey, this hybrid will delight you with its vigor and adaptability.

Cattleya maxima var. alba, also known as the picaboo orchid, contributes its unique features to this hybrid. It bears beautiful white flowers with a characteristic yellow stripe running down the center of the lip, a signature trait of the Cattleya maxima species.

Originating from the coastal forests of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and northern coastal Peru, this hybrid inherits the ability to thrive in seasonally dry conditions. It has adapted to elevations ranging from 10 to 1500 meters, showcasing its resilience in diverse environments.

As a medium-sized orchid, this hybrid is classified as a cool to warm growing, unifoliate, epiphyte, and occasional lithophyte. It develops clavate, lightly complanate, sulcate pseudobulbs, which are surrounded by nonfoliaceous sheaths. The single, apical, oblong or narrowly elliptic-oblong, clasping leaf is thickly coriaceous and exhibits exceptional durability. Flowering occurs from fall through winter, adding a touch of elegance to the seasonal landscape.

When in bloom, the flowers emit a delightful sweet pea scent, enhancing the overall sensory experience. The texture of the blooms is somewhat heavy, contributing to their longevity. These fragrant flowers are held just at or above leaf height, allowing for a picturesque arrangement.

Cattleya violacea var. alba, on the other hand, is recognized as the largest flowered alba Cattleya violacea in existence. This extraordinary species is found in several South American countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Guianas, Peru, and Venezuela. By incorporating this species into the hybrid, we are treated to magnificent white flowers adorned with a captivating yellow patch on the throat. This rare form of Cattleya violacea is cherished by orchid enthusiasts worldwide.

Native to Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and British Guiana, Cattleya violacea var. alba thrives in warm to hot conditions. It typically grows at elevations between 500 and 2300 feet, where it can enjoy consistent climatic conditions. In its natural habitat, it often finds its home on large horizontal branches near rivers, ensuring a constant supply of moisture, even during the dry season.

Cattleya violacea, the most widespread species among all Cattleya orchids in the wild, originates from the lowland rainforests of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. These orchids demand year-round heat and moisture and commonly cling to trees along riverbanks.

Growing up to 8 inches tall, these orchids usually bear 2-3 fragrant and long-lasting flowers, although some inflorescences may present up to 8 blooms. To cultivate Cattleya violacea successfully, it is essential to provide warm conditions, maintaining a nighttime temperature of around 70°F. Regular watering during active growth is crucial, ensuring that the roots have the opportunity to dry quickly. In the months of December through March, replicating the lower rainfall conditions of their natural habitat, it is advisable to avoid extended periods of dryness. Mounting these orchids on cork or hardwood, or utilizing medium bark in terra cotta pots, are suitable options for their cultivation. Repotting should be carried out as new growth emerges.

This is a near blooming size in a 4" clay pot, newly repotted, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

These exceptional orchids flourish in bright and warm to hot conditions, coupled with high humidity. They thrive particularly well during the hot and humid summers of Florida, especially when mounted on tree fern or driftwood. Watering should be generous during active growth, and mounted plants may even require daily watering in the summer months.