Cattleya schofieldiana x Cattleya velutina

Discover the captivating beauty of our newest addition, a primary hybrid between Cattleya schofieldiana x Cattleya velutina. This unique orchid cultivar combines the best qualities of its parent plants to create a truly remarkable floral masterpiece.

Cattleya schofieldiana, native to Brazil and found in coastal hills up to 900 meters high, thrives as a cool to warm epiphytic orchid. With stout, upright growth and elongated pseudobulbs, it bears two oblong-lanceolate leaves and blooms in spring and early summer. The impressive 6-inch (15 cm) flowers, reminiscent of Cattleya granulosa, exhibit similar characteristics except for their size and color. The pseudobulbs of this hybrid are even larger than those of its parent species. Both parents boast delightful spotted petals and an awe-inspiring lip color.

Cattleya velutina, a rare species also hailing from Brazil, boasts exquisite yellow-bronze flowers adorned with deep red to burgundy spotting. Its white lip is embellished with radiant purple stripes and a yellow throat. These fragrant flowers are a sight to behold and are considered a rarity in nature. This bi-foliate species prefers intermediate to warm temperatures and thrives in slightly shadier conditions with moderate light levels. Watering should be done when the potting mix is on the verge of drying out. During the budding and blooming stages, maintaining slightly more moisture is beneficial.

The showcased flowers perfectly exemplify the splendor of their parent plants. Prepare to be enchanted as this hybrid blooms during the summer months, adding a touch of elegance to your space.

To ensure the optimal growth and flowering of your Cattleya schofieldiana x Cattleya velutina hybrid, it's essential to consider a few cultivation tips. Light is of utmost importance, whether you're cultivating this orchid in a greenhouse or at home. Provide bright light with limited direct sun exposure during the midday hours. Ideally, position the plant near an east-facing window, or use a sheer curtain to filter sunlight in a shaded south or west-facing window. In a greenhouse, aim for 50 to 70 percent full sun (equivalent to 3,000 to 5,000 foot-candles) for optimal results. Healthy plants will display medium green leaves with upright pseudobulbs that require no staking.

Temperature plays a crucial role in the well-being of this hybrid. Maintain night temperatures between 55 and 60°F (13 and 16°C), while daytime temperatures should range from 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C). Seedlings benefit from slightly higher night temperatures. It is recommended to maintain a 15- to 20-degree differential between day and night, especially for mature plants. Although higher daytime temperatures up to 95°F (35°C) are tolerable, it is essential to increase humidity, air circulation, and shading under such conditions.

Watering should be carried out in two ways: watering the pot and providing humidity in the air. Pot watering depends on various factors such as vessel size, type, temperature, and light conditions. Mature Cattleya hybrids need to dry out completely before the next watering, while seedlings require a more consistently moist environment. By comparing the weight of a dry pot of the same size and mix, you can gauge the watering needs. A lighter weight indicates dryness, while a heavier weight suggests ample moisture. When in doubt, it's best to wait a day or two before watering. Plants in active growth demand more water compared to resting ones. Avoid using water below 50°F (10°C), as it may harm the plants, and be cautious of water softened with salts, as it can have similar effects.

Maintaining humidity between 50 and 80 percent is crucial for the thriving of Cattleya hybrids. In a home setting, you can achieve this by placing the plants on trays partially filled with gravel and water. This arrangement ensures the plants don't sit in standing water. Adequate airflow around the plants is essential to prevent the onset of fungal or bacterial diseases, especially in high humidity or cool temperature conditions. In a greenhouse, a humidifier is an effective tool for increasing humidity, and evaporative cooling can simultaneously enhance humidity while lowering the air temperature.

Regular fertilization is essential for the optimal growth and blooming of your orchid. When using a fir bark mix, opt for a high-nitrogen formulation such as 30-10-10 or a similar proportion. Alternatively, a balanced fertilizer can be used. During active growth, apply fertilizer at least every two weeks. For non-growing periods, a monthly fertilization schedule is sufficient. Another approach is to dilute the fertilizer and apply it with every watering. To prevent the accumulation of fertilizer salts, it is recommended to thoroughly flush the pot with clear water once a month.

Repotting becomes necessary when the rhizome extends beyond the pot's edge or when the potting medium begins to degrade and drain inadequately (typically after two to three years). Ideally, repot just before new roots emerge from the rhizome, after flowering, or in spring. Mature Cattleya hybrids generally require coarser potting material compared to seedlings. If dividing a plant, ensure that each division possesses three to five pseudobulbs. Select a pot that allows for approximately two years of growth before overcrowding occurs. Position the cut rhizome against one side of the pot, spread the firm, live roots over a pile of potting mix, and fill the pot while firmly packing the medium. Use stakes if necessary. During this period, keep the plant in a humid, shaded environment, ensuring the roots remain dry until new root growth is visible.

This is a T4” near blooming size in a 2" pot, about 2 to 3 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

Immerse yourself in the world of botanical enchantment with this extraordinary Cattleya schofieldiana x Cattleya velutina hybrid. Its alluring beauty and unique traits make it a prized addition to any orchid enthusiast's collection. Embrace the journey of cultivating and witnessing the remarkable growth and blooming of this captivating orchid.