Cattleya warneri var. alba

Introducing the Exquisite Cattleya warneri var. alba - A Rare Brazilian Beauty!

Are you a passionate orchid enthusiast in search of a truly exceptional addition to your collection? Look no further! Cattleya warneri var. alba is a highly sought-after orchid variety renowned for its rarity and captivating beauty. Native to the Brazilian states of Bahia, Espirito Santo, and Minas Gerais, this mesmerizing orchid thrives at elevations between 350 to 2600 ft, where it gracefully adorns the lush landscapes with its mid-sized presence.

Cultivating Tips: While undoubtedly a rewarding and stunning addition to any orchid collection, Cattleya warneri var. alba requires some specific care to flourish to its full potential. Here are some essential tips to help you nurture this elusive gem:

1. Light: Provide your Cattleya warneri var. alba with bright, filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, as it may scorch the delicate foliage. An east-facing window with a sheer curtain or dappled sunlight under a shade cloth is ideal.

2. Temperature: These orchids prefer a moderately warm climate, mimicking their native habitat. Keep the temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night.

3. Humidity: High humidity is crucial for the well-being of Cattleya warneri var. alba. Use a humidity tray or a humidifier to maintain humidity levels around 50% to 70%.

4. Watering: Allow the potting mix to dry slightly between watering sessions. It's essential to strike a balance between keeping the roots moist and avoiding waterlogged conditions. During active growth, water more frequently, and reduce watering during the dormant period.

5. Potting Mix: Use a well-draining orchid mix that provides good aeration to the roots. A blend of medium-grade fir bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite is often suitable.

6. Fertilizer: Feed your Cattleya warneri var. alba with a balanced orchid fertilizer during its active growth phase, typically in spring and summer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply every two to three weeks.

Distinctive Characteristics: Cattleya warneri var. alba boasts several unique features that set it apart from its close relative, C. labiata:

1. Pseudobulbs: The pseudobulbs of Cattleya warneri var. alba are shorter and stouter, contributing to a more compact and charming appearance.

2. Leaf Shape: The leaves of C. warneri are broader compared to those of C. labiata, enhancing its visual allure.

3. Flowering Season: One of the most remarkable differences lies in their flowering seasons. Cattleya warneri var. alba delights with its fragrant 6" blossoms during the spring, typically late May and June in the United States, while C. labiata takes center stage in autumn (September through November).

4. Growth and Rooting Periods: These two orchid species exhibit distinct growth and rooting times. C. warneri produces new growth during autumn and winter, with roots developing before flowering. On the other hand, C. labiata shows its new growth during spring and summer, rooting after flowering.

When it comes to these growth, rooting, and flowering periods, it's essential to note that they remain consistent even when C. labiata and C. warneri are grown together under the same greenhouse conditions. These distinctions are intrinsic to the plants themselves and not influenced by environmental or regional factors, as some may have speculated.

Options available:

Cattleya warneri var. alba 'Mauna Kea' x 'Claire' - is a blooming size in a 5" pot, newly repotted, developing new growths, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

Cattleya warneri var. alba - is a blooming size in a 4" clay pot newly repotted, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

Cattleya warneri var. alba - is a blooming size in a 5" pot newly repotted, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

Add a touch of rarity and sophistication to your orchid collection with Cattleya warneri var. alba. Embrace the challenge of nurturing this beauty, and in return, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular display of fragrant blooms that will leave you and your guests in awe. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the allure of this captivating Brazilian treasure!