Cattleya dowiana var. Rosita

Base Price: $40.00

Cross: ('Fischers Strain')

Intro:
Cattleya dowiana var. Rosita is native to the Atlantic coastal mountain areas in Costa Rica. This plant is considered extinct in nature and we know of only one clone that exists today as a mature plant. We have tried selfing this clone for 11 years. Finally, we were successful and now have seedlings available. What distinguishes this dowiana from others is the suffusion of scarlet veins in the petals, mimicking the lip.

Light:
This Cattleya requires 1500-2000 footcandles to do well. As seedlings they should be kept shadier, almost in Phalaenopsis conditions, to promote larger leaf growth. When mature, this plant does not want high light like other Cattleyas. If the plant receives too much light, the flowers will be distorted.

Temperature:
C. dowiana var. Rosita is a warm growing Cattleya, and should be grown at Phalaenopsis temperatures at all times. Nighttime temps should be between 60 - 65 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temps at 75-85 degrees F.

Humidity:
50-60% or higher is ideal.

Water:
We highly recommend using clean water, such as rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water. Water as the plant approaches dryness during the growing season. During winter, dry out well between watering.

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.

Another fertilizer offered is GrowMore 6-30-30 (Cymbidium and bloom boosting formula).

Flowering:
Flowering season is usually late June to early July. The flowers are large, well shaped with a lemony fragrance. The colors are yellow with scarlet veins in the lip and petals.

Repotting:
Repot this plant only during periods of growth, when you see new growths beginning at the base of the plant. Do not repot this plant in midwinter or in midsummer, as this will cause the plant great stress and you may lose the clone.