Cattleya Zip x Rhyncholaelia digbyana

Orchid in in vitro culture – Lot of 15 plants minimum (see more) Cattleya (Zip × Rhyncholaelia digbyana) – Technical Data Sheet

Origin and Classification

• Name of the hybrid: Cattleya (Zip × Rhyncholaelia digbyana)

• Parents:Cattleya Zip: Complex hybrid often derived from Cattleya labiata and Cattleya trianae, known for its colorful, fragrant, and medium-sized flowers. Rhyncholaelia digbyana (formerly Brassavola digbyana): Species native to Honduras and Belize, famous for its immaculate white flowers, intense nocturnal fragrance, and elongated pseudobulbs.
  

• Hybrid objective: Combine the robustness and varied color palette of Cattleya Zip with the flower purity and nocturnal fragrance of Rhyncholaelia digbyana.

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

Appearance

• Size: Medium to large (40–70 cm in height).

• Pseudobulbs: Spindle-shaped and elongated, green or slightly purple (15–25 cm long).

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

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

Flowers

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

• Color:Creamy white to pale pink, sometimes with lavender or purple shades (inherited from Cattleya Zip). The lip can be darker or striated with contrasting patterns.
  

• Fragrance: Intense and sweet, especially in the evening and at night (influence of Rhyncholaelia digbyana).

• Flower size: 10–15 cm in diameter.

• Blooming period: Spring and autumn, sometimes year-round under optimal conditions.

• Bloom duration: 3–4 weeks per flower.

Cultivation

Temperature

• Day: 20–28°C.

• Night: 14–18°C (a day/night drop of 6–10°C promotes 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: 3,000–5,000 lux (bright but indirect light).

• Ideal source: East or west window, or artificial lighting (horticultural LEDs).

• To avoid: Direct sunlight during the hottest hours.

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.

Substrate

• Mix: Highly draining and airy – medium pine bark (50%), sphagnum moss (20%), charcoal (15%), perlite (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.

Tips for Successful Cultivation

• To maximize nocturnal fragrance: Maintain good air circulation around the plants. Ensure a distinct day/night temperature drop.

• To preserve root health: Use a well-draining substrate and avoid standing water. Avoid excessive fertilization, especially during the rest period.

• To boost vigor: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) during active growth. Monitor ambient humidity, especially in winter.

Additional Remarks

• This hybrid is prized for its elegant flowers and enchanting nocturnal fragrance, combining the best qualities of its two parents.

• A lot of 15 plants allows for consistent, grouped cultivation, ideal for collectors and enthusiasts of fragrant orchids.

• Plants resulting from this hybrid can show a wide variability in flower color, offering beautiful diversity within a single lot.