Cattleya violacea · Plant reference

About

The most widespread Cattleya in the wild, growing on riverside trees in lowland rainforest of the Amazon and Orinoco basins.

Pet safety: Listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. General guidance for the genus
People: Not recorded.

Light: Bright light such as an east- or west-facing window; direct sun burns the leaves. Mid-green leaves indicate good light, dark green too little. General guidance for the genus
Humidity: Above 50%; a pebble tray under the pot helps. Good air circulation is essential. General guidance for the genus
Temperature: Needs warmth all year: in the wild it grows on riverside trees in hot, humid lowland rainforest.
Soil: Coarse orchid bark (chopped fir or redwood) or an inorganic kiln-fired medium; never ordinary potting soil. General guidance for the genus
Pot: Repot about every two years, in spring or just before new roots appear, when the rhizome grows over the pot edge or the medium breaks down. General guidance for the genus
Propagation: Divide when repotting, keeping at least three healthy pseudobulbs per division; also raised from seed or tissue culture. General guidance for the genus
Hardiness: USDA zones 10a–12b; grown indoors or under glass elsewhere. General guidance for the genus

“General guidance for the genus” marks advice sourced for the genus as a whole rather than this species.

Lowland rainforests of the Amazon and Orinoco basins across northern South America.

Grows on trees along rivers, where it has warmth and moisture all year.

Difficulty: Not recorded
Temperature: Needs warmth all year: in the wild it grows on riverside trees in hot, humid lowland rainforest.
Humidity: Above 50%; a pebble tray under the pot helps. Good air circulation is essential.