Cattleya maxima

Also known as: Information to be completed

A medium-sized, epiphytic, orchid with upright, cane-like stems growing from a short creeping rhizome. Each mature stem (pseudobulb) is narrow at the base and broader in the upper half, carrying one oblong, leathery leaf. The evergreen leaves are thick and fleshy, dark-green, up to 30cm long and 6cm wide. Large, scented flowers up to 15cm across are held on terminal stems up to 30cm long. Flowering stems emerge from the tips of new mature growth in autumn and winter. Many colour variations occur from white, pale lilac and pink flowers. The lip has a characteristic yellow line in the middle, with a dark purple or brown veined pattern.

Scientific classification

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

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Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 0.5-1 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 maxima pictures

Distribution of Cattleya maxima

Distribution map

S. America

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Cattleya maxima

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Cattleya maxima 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

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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.