Crimson cattleya (Cattleya labiata)

Also known as: Autumn cattleya

Cattleya labiata, commonly known as the Crimson Cattleya, is a flowering plant indigenous to Brazil. It thrives in various environments, including trees, rocks, and soil. This orchid is pollinated by insects, particularly attracting bees. Another name for the Crimson Cattleya is the Ruby-lipped Cattleya.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Crimson cattleya

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

25 cm

Spread

30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

13 cm to 18 cm

Flower Color

Pink Yellow Purple White Red Lavender Gold

Images of Crimson cattleya

Quickly Identify Crimson cattleya

Large flowers (4-6 inches, 10-15 cm) with vivid pink to purple ruffled lips and yellow throats.

Thick, waxy, leathery leaves (8-12 inches, 20-30 cm) with prominent parallel venation.

Lilac-colored blossoms on smaller plants; White flowers on larger individuals.

Fleshy rhizomes aiding epiphytic lifestyle, clasping onto tree branches.

Blooms emit enticing fragrance, demanding careful lighting and high humidity in warm climates.

Scientific Classification of Crimson cattleya

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Asparagales

Family

Orchid

Genus

Cattleya

Species

Crimson cattleya

Planting and Growing of Crimson cattleya

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-80℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Crimson cattleya?

For Cattleya labiata, provide approximately 200 ml of water at each watering. Ensure water penetrates through the potting medium, reaching the roots but avoiding waterlogged conditions. The goal is to ensure that the media is consistently moist without being soggy.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Crimson cattleya? ›

What should I do if my Crimson cattleya is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Crimson cattleya? ›

How to save an overwatered Crimson cattleya? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Crimson cattleya?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 2 to 4 hours

Cattleya labiata prefers partial sun, which means approximately 2-4 hours of sunlight per day. This range helps the plant to produce vibrant blooms and fosters healthy growth.

What is the ideal light for Cattleya labiata? ›

How can you achieve ideal lighting conditions? ›

What benefits come from ideal lighting? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Crimson cattleya?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 80℉

The ideal temperature range for Cattleya labiata is between 60°F and 80°F. This range provides the optimal conditions for growth and flowering. Consistent temperatures within this range help the plant maintain healthy metabolic functions essential for photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. Why is this range considered ideal? The temperatures offer the right balance between warmth and coolness conducive to robust orchid development.

What Soil is Best for Crimson cattleya?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Cattleya labiata thrives in well-draining soils to prevent root rot. These orchids need soil that allows water to pass through quickly, mimicking their natural habitat. A well-aerated mix ensures the roots receive enough oxygen, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Using a mixture enriched with organic material like bark and perlite enhances Cattleya labiata's soil. This sustainable approach provides necessary nutrients and retains some moisture while aiding drainage. The balance it provides is perfect for the orchid’s growth patterns. Orchids like Cattleya labiata require ample air in the root zone. A chunky mix with large particles like charcoal and bark improves aeration, allowing roots to breathe and grow freely, minimizing the risk of fungal infections. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Crimson cattleya?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Cattleya labiata thrives when given the right amount of nutrients. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to a quarter of the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots. Each dose should be about 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water, ensuring the solution is mild yet sufficient. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Crimson cattleya?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Cattleya labiata benefits from regular pruning to remove dead or damaged pseudobulbs and leaves. Use sterilized scissors to make clean cuts, ensuring you cut close to the base without harming the healthy parts of the plant. This helps to maintain the plant's vigor and enhances its flowering potential. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Crimson cattleya plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Start by removing the plant from its pot and gently shaking off excess soil. Inspect the root system and look for natural divisions where the plant can be split.

Using the sharp knife, carefully cut through the rhizome ensuring each section has at least three pseudobulbs. Handle the delicate roots with care to avoid damage.

Plant each division into a new pot filled with orchid potting mix. Water sparingly until new growth appears to prevent root rot, and place in a location with indirect light.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Crimson cattleya plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Cattleya labiata primarily needs repotting when you notice the roots have outgrown the pot, or when the growing medium starts to break down. Signs include roots spilling over the pot or visible degradation of the potting bark. Ideally, wait until new growth appears, signaling that the plant is ready for root expansion.

Choose a pot that allows for ample drainage and is just slightly larger than the current root mass. This prevents water accumulation and root rot, providing enough space for growth without overwhelming the plant. Clear or breathable pots are preferable for monitoring moisture levels and promoting healthy root systems.

Select a potting medium that mimics the plant's natural tropical environment. A coarse orchid bark mix with added perlite or charcoal ensures excellent aeration and drainage. This setup not only maintains the necessary humidity around roots but also prevents fungal issues due to excess moisture.