Cattleya Orchid
Cattleya labiata
Family: Orchidaceae · Also called Corsage Orchid, Queen of Orchids, Christmas Orchid, Cattleya labiata var. atropurpurea, Cattleya massangeana, Cattleya labiata var. pallida
Floral · Autumn–Winter bloomer
The cattleya is the archetypal orchid of popular imagination, large, showy, ruffled flowers with a dramatic lip in lavender, pink, white, or yellow, often with contrasting colors and patterns. A single flower can be 8 inches across and lasts 2-4 weeks, releasing waves of sweet perfume from its elaborate labellum.
luxury, refinement, mature charm, ecstasy
In the Victorian language of flowers, cattleya orchid means “Mature feminine charm and luxury”. Cattleyas were the 'corsage orchid' of the early 20th century, no prom, wedding, or society event was complete without one. Orchid hunters in the 1800s stripped entire forests of cattleyas for European collectors, driving some species to near-extinction. Marcel Proust used cattleyas as a euphemism for intimacy in 'In Search of Lost Time.'
Did You Know?
Cattleyas triggered 'orchidelirium', the Victorian orchid craze where collectors paid fortunes for rare species. William Cattley, a merchant, flowered the first specimen in 1818 from packing material used to ship other plants from Brazil. He had no idea what it was. Some wild cattleya species are now rarer than before the craze due to habitat loss, despite protective laws.
Tropical rainforest canopy as epiphytes on tree branches, 500-1,500m elevation
Cattleya Orchid is native to Central and South America. It naturally grows in tropical rainforest canopy as epiphytes on tree branches, 500-1,500m elevation.
Scent Profile
“A rich, sweet fragrance with vanilla and spicy lily-like notes, intensely perfumed, especially in the morning. Cattleyas are among the most fragrant orchids, their scent evolving through the day.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameCattleya labiata
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- Native ToCentral and South America
- Bloom SeasonAutumn–Winter
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Cattleyas were the 'corsage orchid' of the early 20th century, no prom, wedding, or society event was complete without one. Orchid hunters in the 1800s stripped entire forests of cattleyas for European collectors, driving some species to near-extinction. Marcel Proust used cattleyas as a euphemism for intimacy in 'In Search of Lost Time.'