Cattleya bicolor var. brasiliensis

Base Price: $50.00

Intro:
Cattleya bicolor var. brasiliensis is native to the warm Amazon areas of Brazil. The normal Cattleya bicolor is typically colored green with a purple lip. Variety braziliensis has deep bronze petals and sepals with a vibrant purple lip. The shape is somewhat better as well. This orchid plant will eventually reach 3-4 feet in height when fully mature. The growths fortunately are close together and the leaves are not so large as to take up a great deal of space.

Light:
Medium light is preferred. This plant can be grown in conditions favoring phalaenopsis to typical cattleya light, from 1000-2500 foot-candles. In northern hemispheres light levels can be increased from mid October to mid January when the sun is low on the horizon.

Temperature:
Grow intermediate to warm. Daytime temps ranging between 72 to 90 degrees for a daytime high and 60-65 degrees for a nighttime low are best.

Humidity:
50-70% is ideal. Because this plant is rather tall when mature, humidity trays will not be of much value. Use room humidifiers if growing indoors to increase the humidity levels.

Water:
In nature, this plant receives rain water so try to use the same. Distilled or reverse osmosis water is also acceptable. During the growing season when new growths become visible at the base of the plant, provide warmer temperatures and copious amounts of water allowing the plant to just approach dryness between watering. During the winter months allow this plant a rest by watering somewhat less frequently.

Fertilizer:
We highly recommend Green Jungle Orchid Food, especially formulated to work with rain, distilled, reverse osmosis water or water low in alkalinity. Fertilize with Green Jungle every time you water.

Or, use GrowMore 20-10-20 Ureafree for municipal or well water. Use at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon. If using GrowMore with rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, add back in 5 - 10% municipal or well water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize every other watering in the summer and every third watering in the winter.

Flowering:
This plant flowers during the late spring to mid summer months, sometimes flowering even in September. Usually 1-5 flowers are produced on younger plants. As the plants mature 10 or more flowers per spike is not unusual.The flower size can range between 3-4 inches. These are very fragrant flowers with a spicy scent and because of their heavy substance, they can last for several weeks.

Repotting:
It is best to repot this plant every 2 years when the new growths are just emerging. This usually will be in late winter or very early spring. Allow enough room for 2 years worth of new growth. Utilize a medium grade bark mix that drains well. This should consist of medium grade Douglas fir bark, 10% charcoal, and 15% perlite. Clay pots are best for 6" (diameter) or above. Anything below 6", use plastic pots.