Cattleya maxima alba

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'

• Origin : Central and South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela).

• Natural habitat : Humid and mountainous forests (500–1,500 m altitude), epiphytic on tree branches or lithophytic on rocks.

• Classification : Orchidaceae family, Epidendroideae subfamily, Laeliinae tribe.

• Particularity : 'Alba' variety – pure white flowers, highly prized for their elegance and rarity.
  

Appearance

• Size : Medium to large (30–60 cm in height).

• Pseudobulbs : Elongated, spindle-shaped, green or slightly reddish (15–25 cm long).

• Leaves : Lanceolate, leathery, light green to dark green (20–30 cm long).

• Roots : Thick, silvery, adapted to absorb ambient humidity.
  

Flowers

• Shape : Large star-shaped flowers, with wide petals and a slightly fringed lip.

• Color : Pure white, sometimes with a slight cream or pale green tint on the lip.

• Fragrance : Strong and sweet, especially in the morning.

• Flower size : 10–15 cm in diameter.

• Blooming period : Spring and autumn, sometimes several times a year under optimal conditions.

• Bloom duration : 3–4 weeks per flower.
  

Culture

Temperature : [1]

• Day : 20–28°C.

• Night : 14–18°C (a day/night difference of 6–10°C favors blooming).

• To avoid : Temperatures below 12°C or above 32°C.

• Humidity : 60–80% (simulate the humidity of tropical forests).

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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