Cattleya eldorado`Mt. Ito' AM/AOS

Introducing the rare and captivating Cattleya eldorado ‘M. Ito’ AM/AOS, an exquisite species hailing from the heart of South America. This gem is a true rarity, seldom found for sale in the United States. Known for its unique characteristics and alluring appeal, Cattleya eldorado is a delightful addition to any orchid enthusiast's collection.

Cattleya eldorado distinguishes itself by its relatively modest size. Its pseudobulbs typically reach a height of 3 to 5 inches, complemented by 4 to 6-inch leaves. A mature flowering-size plant comfortably resides in a 4-inch clay pot. The flowers of C. eldorado, though smaller than its Cattleya counterparts, possess a captivating charm. The narrow petals are offset by upright back sepals, creating an aesthetically pleasing bloom.

This species typically graces us with two or three delicate flowers on a single spike, occasionally surprising with four or five. What truly sets Cattleya eldorado apart is the remarkable longevity of its blossoms. These captivating blooms can last an impressive five to six weeks, occasionally even surpassing the endurance of the renowned Cattleya trianaei. Their sweet fragrance further enhances their allure.

While alba forms of Cattleya eldorado are more commonly encountered, the semialba variation is a true gem, rare and enchanting. The white petals accentuate the white fringe around the orange lip's disc, creating a truly captivating visual display.

Originally considered a challenging orchid to cultivate when introduced to Europe in the 1870s, Cattleya eldorado demands specific care to thrive. Given its native habitat in the hot tropical forests of sea-level Brazil, this species thrives in higher temperatures than other mountain cloud-forest Cattleya species like Cattleya warscewiczii, Cattleya trianaei, and Cattleya mendelii. It prefers night temperatures of 68 to 70°F, as opposed to the typical 58 to 60°F for most other cattleyas. After flowering, Cattleya eldorado benefits from a clear-cut rest period during winter, receiving minimal watering as it enters dormancy.

Cattleya eldorado awakens in late winter and early spring in the United States. New growth emerges, promising the development of buds within the sheath, leading to a splendid display in early summer. After flowering, it's an ideal time for repotting, ensuring just enough water to encourage emerging roots into the potting medium. With careful nurturing, the plants should establish robust roots by the time they enter dormancy in the autumn.

This captivating orchid thrives in a hot and humid atmosphere during its active growth in spring and early summer. It flourishes when provided ample sunlight and well-ventilated conditions year-round. To truly thrive, it's essential to provide a dry resting period during the fall and early winter.

This is a blooming size imported bare root orchid division; newly repotted in a 4" pot; about 1 to 2 years to bloom; Grown from seed; Limited!

Cattleya eldorado ‘M. Ito’ AM/AOS graces us with 5 1/2-inch flowers in a delightful shade of pinky lavender, featuring a striking yellow disk at the throat. The fragrance is nothing short of intense, a true olfactory delight. This exceptional orchid has been recognized for its excellence, having earned an impressive 80 points in 2016. It's important to note that availability is limited, making this a prized addition to your orchid collection. Don't miss the opportunity to welcome this extraordinary Cattleya eldorado into your home and experience its captivating beauty firsthand.