Cattleya mossiae

Also known as: Information to be completed

A small to medium-sized, evergreen epiphytic orchid with upright, cane-like stems growing from a short creeping rhizome. The stems -pseudobulbs are club-shaped, narrower at the base and broadening upwards. A single oval leaf is carried at the top of each mature stem. The leaves are thick and leathery, pale or mid-green, up to 20cm long and 5cm wide. Large fragrant flowers emerge on terminal stems up to 30cm long, arising from the tips of new mature growth in spring and early summer. Each flower is up to 20cm across, white, light mauve, pink or magenta. Petals are distinctly wider than narrow, sometimes curved sepals. The lip is pale pink, lilac or white, curved around the column, with a frilled edge, dark veined pattern and yellow centre

Scientific classification

Species: Cattleya mossiae (Cattleya mossiae)
Genus: Cattleya
Family: Orchidaceae

Information to be completed
Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Cattleya mossiae pictures

Distribution of Cattleya mossiae

Distribution map

Venezuela

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Information to be completed

Quick identification of Cattleya mossiae

Information to be completed

Cattleya mossiae care guide

Keep potting medium lightly moist, airy, and never stagnant
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep potting medium lightly moist, airy, and never stagnant

Fertilizing

Half-strength orchid feed every two to three weeks in active growth

Pruning

No pruning required.

Propagation

Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older growths with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.

Growing

Grow in an open, coarse bark-based orchid mix with addition of perlite and coconut chips. Provide bright light conditions, but shade from hot, direct mid-day sun. Ideal temperatures are 15°C minimum in winter and up to maximum of 28°C during summer. Water and feed plants regularly during the growing season. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting in water. Provide enough humidity by regular misting. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months and keep in a bright, sunny position. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years. The plant should only be re-potted when the new growth appears in spring. See also indoor orchid cultivation

More growing and care information →

Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases.