Cattleya warscewiczii

Orchid in in vitro culture – Lot of 15 plants minimum (see more) Cattleya warscewiczii – Technical Data Sheet

Origin and Classification

• Scientific name: Cattleya warscewiczii

• Origin: Central America (Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras), where it grows as an epiphyte in humid and mountainous forests (500–1,500 m in altitude).

• Natural habitat: Well-ventilated tropical rainforests, often on tree branches or mossy rocks.

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

• Special feature: Known for its spectacular flowers, which are among the largest and most fragrant in the Cattleya genus; often used as a parent in hybridizations to pass on their size and fragrance.

Appearance

• Size: Large (40–80 cm in height).

• Pseudobulbs: Spindle-shaped and robust, green or slightly purple (20–30 cm long).

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

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

Flowers

• Shape: Very large star-shaped flowers, with wide petals and a fringed, wavy lip.

• Color: Purple-pink to intense magenta, sometimes with lighter or darker shades. The lip is often darker (purple or violet) and fringed.

• Fragrance: Extremely intense, sweet, and floral, especially in the morning.

• Flower size: 15–20 cm in diameter (among the largest in the Cattleya genus).

• Blooming period: Spring and early summer (April–June), sometimes a second bloom in autumn under optimal conditions.

• Bloom duration: 3–4 weeks per flower.

Cultivation

Temperature

• Day: 20–28°C.

• Night: 14–18°C (a day/night temperature drop of 6–10°C is essential for blooming).

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

Humidity

• Ideal rate: 60–80% (simulating tropical rainforest humidity).

• Tip: Use a humidifier or a pebble tray to maintain humidity in dry indoor environments.

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 sunlight during the hottest hours (risk of burns).

Watering

• Growth period (spring-summer): Water every 3–4 days, letting the substrate dry out slightly between waterings.

• Rest period (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 airy – coarse pine bark (50%), sphagnum moss (20%), charcoal (15%), perlite or clay pebbles (15%).

• Repotting: Every 2–3 years, in a slightly snug pot.

Fertilization

• Guideline: Orchid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, every 2 weeks during the growth period.

• Rest period: Reduce fertilization in winter.