Cattleya maxima

NOTE: Some plants have minor heat markings on older leaves (purely cosmetic), while others have clean foliage. Both options are listed separately—see photos for examples.

Discovered in 1831, Cattleya maxima was so named because it was the largest-flowered Cattleya known at the time. Native to Ecuador and Peru, this particular clone is believed to be a highland/upland type, which tends to have shorter foliage than lowland forms. Despite this, mature plants produce a high flower count similar to the lowland varieties.

This offering is a selfing of an awarded Japanese plant that received a Silver Medal from the Japan Orchid Growers Association. At the time of judging, the plant carried an impressive 13 flowers with excellent color and form. Perhaps one of the most remarkable qualities of this flower is the fragrance. It is unique and a bit more subtle than most larger Cattleya flowers.