Cattleya tenuis

Introducing the Exquisite Cattleya tenuis: A Rare Gem from the Heart of Brazil

Discover the Beauty of Cattleya tenuis:

Native to the lush landscapes of Brazil, the Cattleya tenuis is a botanical treasure, celebrated for its rarity and stunning appearance. This extraordinary orchid is typically found in the wild, gracefully adorning small tree trunks and rocky surfaces within dry deciduous and semi-deciduous forests at elevations ranging from 1000 to 1200 meters above sea level. Its unique growth patterns and striking features make it a captivating addition to any orchid enthusiast's collection.

Resilience in Adversity:

Cattleya tenuis is a resilient species, adapted to the challenging conditions of its native habitat. It experiences prolonged dry periods, during which it becomes completely wilted and brittle. However, with the return of rain, these remarkable plants rehydrate and sprout, showcasing their tenacity and ability to thrive in adverse conditions.

Elegant and Compact:

This orchid exhibits a compact size, making it well-suited for both novice and experienced growers. Its growth habits are characterized by cool to warm preferences, and it can reach heights of 48 to 86 cm, with slender, cylindrical, elongated pseudobulbs measuring 26 to 55 cm in length. The leaves, which are apical, thin, and narrow, enhance the plant's elegance. They are pointed, spreading, elliptic-oblong, and boast a very coriaceous texture.

A Symphony of Color and Form:

The Cattleya tenuis graces us with its captivating blooms in late summer and fall. Delicate flowers, measuring 10 cm in diameter, emerge from the terminal ends of the plant, forming few to several flowered inflorescences. These blooms are a rich coppery bronze color, adorned with intricate mahogany spotting. The lip of the flower is a standout feature, conspicuously trilobed with a terminal lobe gently divided into two lobes. The lateral lobes are pure white, creating a stunning contrast with the magenta terminal lobe, which exhibits a pale lilac peripheral region. The column, a central feature of orchid flowers, is white with delicate pink streaks, adding to the overall charm.

Endurance in Elegance:

One of the remarkable qualities of the Cattleya tenuis is the heavy texture of its flowers. This attribute contributes to their longevity, ensuring that these mesmerizing blooms will grace your living space for an extended period, making them a wonderful addition to your orchid collection.

This is a blooming size bareroot division in a 4" clay pot, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

In summary, the Cattleya tenuis is a botanical masterpiece, cherished for its rarity, resilience, and breathtaking beauty. Its compact size, captivating coloration, and enduring blooms make it a prized possession for orchid enthusiasts and collectors alike. Cultivating this extraordinary orchid offers a unique opportunity to bring a piece of the Brazilian wilderness into your own home, where it can thrive and enchant for years to come. Don't miss the chance to add this rare gem to your collection and witness the magic of Cattleya tenuis firsthand.