Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Cattleya labiata


Some of my cattleya orchids started to show their flamboyant blooms and one of the first one's to flower is cattleya labiata - pretty orchid originated in mountains of Brazil. They have kind of compressed middle and it usually blooms with these beautiful 2 flowers on each pseudobulbs.

These orchids are among the easiest orchids to grow, very tolerant of different conditions and suitable for beginner as well as for experienced grower. They will grow in almost any compost provided it drains well. They like light shade and plenty of water during growing season and in our climate do well in the green house as well as under the shade of the trees in summer. They usually flower in late autumn/ early winter with large, beautifully sculptured fragrant blooms and they very popular with orchid hobbyist as well as general gardeners. I am looking forward seeing some more of these fragrant, colorful beauties this season.

8 comments:

  1. You've motivated me to try these! I always thought they were the hardest to grow (not sure why). I have had great luck with dendrobiums, cymbidium, nad phalenopsis... now it's time to try oneof these glorious beauties. Thanks for the motivation and encouragement!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Somehow, it reminded me an iris flower! I love its delicate color!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I will definitely try to grow this kind of orchid. I am a beginner gardener so I hope I will manage to take care for it. It is a really beautiful flower. I have already ordered it and it will soon be delivered.

    Man with van

    ReplyDelete
  4. Stunning bloom, you must be very pleased.

    Gaz, Orchid Gardens

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi! Just discovered your lovely blog.
    Do you know if these will grow in Sydney? I think I have seen them on tree trunks but just want to make sure. The King Orchid thrives here' is it's requirements similar?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you all for your comments and for sharing appreciation of these beautiful orchids

    ReplyDelete
  7. To Adam - yes, these will happy grow in Sydney

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lovely. Species always appeal to me more than hybrids and this is a beautiful example of this species.

    ReplyDelete