Cattleya × dolosa var. coerulea
In vitro pot containing a minimum of 15 plants (see more depending on the species)
Cattleya × dolosa var. coerulea
Origin and Classification
Type: Artificial Cattleya hybrid, selected for its rare blue color (coerulea variety).
Parents: Cattleya dowiana × Cattleya aurea (or other close combinations depending on the breeders). The coerulea variety is a blue to lavender form, resulting from a genetic mutation or targeted selection.
Origin regions of the parents:Cattleya dowiana: Costa Rica, Panama (low-altitude rainforests). Cattleya aurea: Colombia, Venezuela (mountainous areas).
Family: Orchidaceae (subfamily Epidendroideae, tribe Laeliinae).
Appearance
Size: Medium to large orchid (30-60 cm in height at maturity).
Pseudobulbs: Spindle-shaped and robust (10-15 cm long), often light green to yellowish, clustered.
Leaves: Lanceolate, leathery, medium to dark green (15-25 cm long), generally 1-2 leaves per pseudobulb.
Roots: Thick, whitish to pale green, typical of epiphytic orchids.
Flowers
Shape: Large and spectacular (10-15 cm in diameter), well-opened, with broad and wavy petals and sepals. Fringed and contrasting lip (often darker than the petals).
Color: Lavender-blue to pale blue (characteristic of the var. coerulea), sometimes with violet or lilac nuances. Lip is often purple or magenta for a striking contrast.
Fragrance: Intense and sweet, reminiscent of jasmine or vanilla, especially during the day.
Bloom duration: 3-4 weeks per flower.
Blooming period: Spring to early summer (April-June in the Northern Hemisphere), sometimes a second bloom in autumn if conditions are optimal.
Cultivation
Ideal Conditions
Climate
Temperature:Day: 20-28°C (ideal for growth). Night: 15-18°C (day/night drop is essential for blooming). Minimum: 12°C (avoid cold drafts).
Humidity: 50-70%. Use a humidifier or a pebble tray in dry indoor environments.
Light
Guidelines: Bright and indirect light (50-70% shade). Avoid direct sunlight (risk of burns).
Ideal setup: East or west window with a light curtain.
Watering
Growth period (spring-summer): Water 2-3 times per week, letting the substrate dry out slightly between waterings.
Winter rest (autumn-winter): Reduce to once a week.
Method: Soaking the pot (10-15 min) or watering from above.
Substrate
Well-draining mix: Pine bark (large pieces), charcoal, perlite, and a little sphagnum moss.
Repotting: Every 2-3 years, after blooming, into a slightly larger pot.