Cattleya harrisoniana

Introducing the Exquisite Cattleya harrisoniana - A Brazilian Beauty for Your Orchid Collection!

Description: Cattleya harrisoniana is a captivating orchid species native to the lush landscapes of Brazil. This elegant orchid is known for its distinctive growth habits and breathtakingly vibrant blooms. In its natural habitat, you can find it flourishing as an epiphyte on trees or as a lithophyte on rocks in the humid and swampy regions at altitudes ranging from 700 to 750 meters above sea level.

Cultivating Tips: Cattleya harrisoniana thrives in a cool to warm environment, making it a versatile addition to any orchid collection. Here are some essential cultivation tips to help you nurture this magnificent orchid:

1. Light: Provide bright, indirect sunlight for your Cattleya harrisoniana. In its native habitat, it receives ample natural light, so replicating these conditions is key. A south or east-facing window with filtered sunlight is ideal.

2. Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) during the day, with a slight drop at night. This mimics the cool to warm conditions it enjoys in Brazil.

3. Humidity: Cattleya harrisoniana thrives in higher humidity levels. Aim for humidity levels of around 50-70%. You can achieve this by using a humidifier or placing a tray filled with water and pebbles near the orchid.

4. Watering: Water your orchid thoroughly when the potting mix is nearly dry. Typically, this will be every 7-10 days. Ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.

5. Potting Mix: Use a well-draining orchid mix, such as a combination of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Repot your orchid every 2-3 years to refresh the potting mix and give it space to grow.

6. Fertilizing: Feed your Cattleya harrisoniana with a balanced orchid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or eliminate fertilization during the dormant period in fall and winter.

Features:

• Cattleya harrisoniana boasts sub clavate pseudobulbs, up to 40 cm long, which serve as a sturdy foundation for its striking foliage.
• The leaves are apical, narrowly elliptic to obovate, measuring approximately 20 cm in length, adding a touch of elegance to its appearance.
• Expect a dazzling display in late summer when it graces you with a short, 2 to 6 flowered inflorescence. The flowers emerge from a green sheath and exude a delightful fragrance.
• The flowers themselves are a mesmerizing palette of colors, ranging from pale to intensely saturated carmine-red, measuring 7-10 cm in diameter.
• The sepals, measuring about 6 cm long and 1.8 cm wide, may display hints of green at their tips and gracefully arch to frame the petals.
• Petals can take on an elliptical or ovate shape, measuring 5.5 cm long and 2.2 cm wide, featuring a subtle wavy edge for added allure.
• The lip is a masterpiece of nature, with rounded, high-raised lateral parts that cradle the column. The front part is elegantly wavy, adorned with shades of yellow transitioning to orange at the center, and delicate pink veins. The lip's edge may even exhibit a light carmine-red hue.
• The column, a central feature of the flower, measures approximately 2.8-3 cm in length, adding an exquisite finishing touch to the bloom.

This is a blooming size in a 4” clay pot, newly repotted about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

Cattleya harrisoniana is a true testament to the beauty of nature. With its unique growth patterns and mesmerizing blooms, it's a must-have for any orchid enthusiast. Elevate your orchid collection with the allure of Brazil's Cattleya harrisoniana and enjoy the joy of cultivating this extraordinary orchid.