Flower Library
Cattleya Orchid
Cattleya · Orchidaceae
The cattleya is the showpiece orchid par excellence: large, ruffled blooms with a strikingly marked lip and a fragrance hardly any other orchid can match. As a cut bloom it is a rarity bought not by the crate but by the flower, usually for corsages, bridal work or special one-off pieces. When we find cattleya at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, it is a small treasure and we treat it accordingly.
- Season
- January – February – March – April – May – October – November – December
- Vase life
- 5–10 days
- Latin name
- Cattleya
- Colors
- Lavender, Purple, White, Yellow, Pink, Bicoloured with a marked lip
The genus comprises around 45 wild species, but the trade is dominated by large-flowered hybrids, often crosses with the close relatives Laelia and Brassavola. The palette runs from the classic lavender of Cattleya labiata through pure white to glowing yellow with a purple lip. Each bloom sits on a short individual stem; long vase stems like those of phalaenopsis sprays do not exist here.
Historically the cattleya is the corsage flower of the 20th century: worn on a dress or wrist it was the status symbol for balls, weddings and Mothers Day. That tradition is being revived in modern wedding floristry, for instance as a single showpiece bloom in a bridal bouquet or as a pin-on for the mother of the bride.
Many cattleya hybrids are intensely fragrant, a blend of citrus, vanilla and cinnamon, strongest in the morning hours. That sets them apart from the mostly scentless phalaenopsis and makes them so special to enthusiasts.
When working with it, remember the bloom bruises easily and dislikes moisture on the petals. For corsages the short stem is classically fitted with a water tube or wired and taped. As a vase bloom it stands alone in a narrow vessel, where it lasts five to ten days.
A typical mistake is storing it in the fridge: below about ten degrees the tropical blooms suffer chilling damage and the petals turn glassy. For cattleya, cool means room temperature in a shaded spot, not a cold store at rose level.
Is Cattleya Orchid toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
Cattleya orchids are considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and people. Eating them is still not advised, as larger amounts of plant material can upset the stomach.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Give the stem a fresh cut and place the single bloom in a narrow vessel with a little fresh water.
- 02Never mist the flower; water on the petals causes spotting and rot.
- 03Room temperature is ideal; do not store below about ten degrees and never in the fridge.
- 04Avoid direct sun, radiator heat and draughts.
- 05Keep it away from fruit; orchid blooms are sensitive to ripening gas (ethylene).
- 06For corsages, keep the bloom cool and dark in its water tube until pinning on.
Frequently asked
- How long does a cattleya bloom last in the vase?
- A freshly cut, fully developed cattleya bloom lasts around five to ten days at room temperature. A clean vessel, a shaded spot and distance from fruit matter most, as ethylene makes orchid blooms wilt early.
- Is the cattleya toxic to cats or dogs?
- No, orchids of the cattleya genus, like most orchids, are considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and people. Nibbling is still best avoided, as larger amounts of plant material can upset the stomach.
- Why is the cattleya so fragrant?
- In the wild, cattleyas attract day-flying bees and therefore release their scent mainly in the morning. Depending on the hybrid it recalls citrus, vanilla or cinnamon. Fragrance is a variety trait in cattleya; there are also nearly scentless breeds.
- Can cattleya be used in a bridal bouquet?
- Yes, it is actually one of the classic wedding orchids. The bloom is individually wired or fitted with a water tube and reliably lasts through a long celebration day. Because supply is limited, it should be ordered from us a few days in advance.