fbpx

WSBEorchids

365 days of orchids – day 722 – Cattleya dolosa

This cattleya species from Brazil was considered a natural hybrid from its discovery and first description in 1874. It was found growing with Cattleya walkeriana and was thought to be Cattleya walkeriana x Cattleya loddigessii or similar. Recent molecular studies have indicated that it is not a natural hybrid and is actually a species in its own right – hooray. Our plants are the alba form of dolosa.

It differs from Cattleya walkeriana by having flowers from the top of bulbs not from the base and is a much shorter growing plant than Cattleya loddigessii. The plant grows in dryish coastal conditions in Brazil and appreciates very good drainage in a basket (we find it hates growing in a pot) with little water during the winter but plenty in the summer.

The species enjoys life in the roof of our Warm americas section.

Cattleya waleriana and loddigessii below for reference.

 

Top

Join the Discussion

Discussion

  1. Agnes Jones says:

    It looks to be a very large flower for the size of the plant. Is that correct?