To many this is the most recognizable orchid. The queen of flowers. The old fashioned hybrids had huge fragrant flowers that lasted 4 to 6 weeks. Most of these have not been available for a time. However, modern hybrids have not replaced the old favorites. At last, we are able to offer a few of these.
Plants require bright light to flower well. Most of the Cattleya type plants grown are actually intergeneric crosses of the allied genera, giving us Brassolaelia, Sophrolaeliocattleya, Dialaeliocattleya, etc. Recent breeding has led to the introduction of smaller plants with relatively large flowers that can appear two to three times a year. These Minicats provide lots of colour in a small space. Colours range from yellow to orange to red with contrasting lips or flares, also white and purple.