Cattleya labiata

A robust species from the mountains of Brazil.

In artificial cultivation in the U.K plants of this species require temperatures not less than 65F (winter overnight) with a rise of 15F during daylight hours, they also need good light in the order of 14-16 hours in 24hours, with continuos air movement and humidity of 65%

In its native habitat plants have stout pseudobulbs 30cm-(12) long and 3cm.-(1.25) diam. unifoliate up to 30cm.-(12) long and 3/4cm.-(1.5) wide stiff leaves The inflorescence bears two to five fragrant flowers up to 18cm-(7) across which stay in good condition for several weeks during the autumn or winter. There is also an alba form of this species.

Discovered by W. Swaison in Brazils Organ Mts, during 1818 where it is no longer found, it is still to be found in Brazils eastern states. Was established by J. Lindley. It was the first one leafed, showy,larger flowered cattleya to be discovered.