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Cattleya maxima alba

€28.00Price
Quantity
Expected availability: end of June
Orchid in in vitro culture – Lot of 15 plants minimum (or more)
Cattleya maxima 'Alba' – Technical sheet


Origin and classification




     
 
  • Scientific name : Cattleya maxima 'Alba'
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  • Origin : Central and South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela).
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  • Natural habitat : Humid and mountainous forests (500–1,500 m altitude), epiphytic on tree branches or lithophytic on rocks.
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  • Classification : Orchidaceae family, Epidendroideae subfamily, Laeliinae tribe.
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  • Particularity : 'Alba' variety – pure white flowers, highly prized for their elegance and rarity.
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Appearance


     
 
  • Size : Medium to large (30–60 cm in height).
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  • Pseudobulbs : Elongated, spindle-shaped, green or slightly reddish (15–25 cm long).
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  • Leaves : Lanceolate, leathery, light green to dark green (20–30 cm long).
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  • Roots : Thick, silvery, adapted to absorb ambient humidity.
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Flowers


     
 
  • Shape : Large star-shaped flowers, with wide petals and a slightly fringed lip.
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  • Color : Pure white, sometimes with a slight cream or pale green tint on the lip.
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  • Fragrance : Strong and sweet, especially in the morning.
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  • Flower size : 10–15 cm in diameter.
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  • Blooming period : Spring and autumn, sometimes several times a year under optimal conditions.
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  • Bloom duration : 3–4 weeks per flower.
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Culture


Temperature : [1]


     
 
  • Day : 20–28°C.
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  • Night : 14–18°C (a day/night difference of 6–10°C favors blooming).
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  • To avoid : Temperatures below 12°C or above 32°C.
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  • Humidity : 60–80% (simulate the humidity of tropical forests).
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Tip : Use a humidifier or a pebble tray to maintain humidity in dry interiors.


Light :


Intensity : 4,000–6,000 lux (bright but indirect light).
Ideal source : East or west window, or artificial lighting (horticultural LEDs).
To avoid : Direct sun during the hottest hours.


Watering :


Growth (spring-summer) : Watering every 3–4 days, letting the substrate dry slightly between two water applications.
Rest (autumn-winter) : Reduce to 1–2 times per week.
Method : Soaking (10–15 min) or watering from above with soft water (rainwater or demineralized water).


Substrate :


Mix : Highly draining and aerated – coarse pine bark (50%), sphagnum moss (20%), charcoal (15%), perlite or clay pebbles (15%).
Repotting : Every 2–3 years, in a slightly tight pot.


Fertilization :


Orchid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every 2 weeks during the growth period.
Rest : Reduce fertilization in winter.


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