Cattleya maxima

Renowned for its captivating beauty, this exquisite orchid is a variation of the Cattleya maxima species native to the lush landscapes of Central and South America.

Collectors and orchid enthusiasts are drawn to Cattleya maxima for its striking appearance and delightful fragrance. In its natural habitat, this orchid thrives as an epiphyte, gracefully attaching itself to trees or other plants, gracefully absorbing nutrients from the air and rain. Now, you have the opportunity to bring this exotic beauty into your home and experience the joy of nurturing its magnificent blooms.

From Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and northern coastal Peru that is found at elevations of 10 to 1500 meters in seasonally dry, coastal forests. A medium sized, cool to warm growing, unifoliate, epiphyte and occasional lithophyte with clavate, lightly complante, sulcate pseudobulbs subtended by several, imbricating, nonfoliaceous sheaths and a single, apical, oblong or narrowly elliptic-oblong, clasping, obtuse, minutely bilobed, thickly coriaceous leaf and blooms in the fall through the winter on a terminal, to 12” long, erect or arching, few to several flowered, racemose inflorescence arising on a mature pseudobulb subtended with a large, basal, elongate sheath from which arise 3 to 15, long-lived, fragrant, somewhat heavy textured flowers that are held just at or above leaf height.

Cultivation Tips:

1. Optimal Growing Conditions: Cattleya maxima var. coerulea thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Provide it with bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight may scorch its delicate foliage. An east or west-facing window is often suitable. In its native habitat, it enjoys dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy.

2. Orchid Potting Mix: Use a well-draining orchid potting mix, ideally composed of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. This will ensure proper aeration and prevent waterlogged roots.

3. Watering: Like most orchids, Cattleya maxima var. coerulea prefers a balanced approach to watering. Allow the potting mix to dry slightly between waterings, but never let it completely dry out. Watering once a week is often sufficient, but frequency may vary depending on environmental conditions.

4. Humidity: Maintain a moderate to high humidity level around the orchid, as it mimics the conditions of its native tropical environment. Placing a tray of water near the orchid or using a humidifier can help achieve the required humidity.

5. Fertilization: During the active growing season (spring and summer), provide a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two to four weeks. In the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce or halt fertilization to promote healthy growth.

6. Repotting: Cattleya maxima var. coerulea typically requires repotting every two to three years or when the potting mix starts to break down. This is best done after flowering to allow the orchid to focus on establishing new roots.

7. Air Circulation: Good air circulation is essential to prevent the development of fungal or bacterial diseases. Avoid placing the orchid in stagnant or excessively humid environments.

This is a near blooming size imported bareroot division orchid, newly repotted in a 4” pot about 2 to 3 years to bloom, grown from Seed! Limited!

With these cultivation tips in mind, you can unlock the full potential of Cattleya maxima breathtaking beauty and enjoy the rewarding experience of nurturing this magnificent orchid. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to orchid care, this Cattleya maxima variations are a true gem that will grace your home with its captivating allure.