Cattleya purpurata rubra 001539 x self

This is a famous Brazilian epiphytic species known as the "Queen of the Laelias." It's easy to grow and valued for its large flowers. This specific cross, a self-pollination of the rubra '001539' clone, is highly sought after for the consistency of its deep reddish-purple lip color.

• Light: Bright, indirect light. The plant benefits from a few hours of gentle morning sun.
• Temperature: Intermediate to warm. Ideally daytime temperatures between 68-86°F (20-30°C), and slightly cooler nighttime between 59-68°F (15-20°C). It's important to protect it from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
• Humidity: High (60-80%). Excellent air circulation is mandatory to prevent spotting and rot.
• Watering: Water liberally during the active growing season, allowing the growing medium to dry slightly before watering again. Significantly reduce frequency and volume during the cooler winter rest period.

Additional Notes

The flowers are large (4-6"), long-lasting, typically producing 3 to 7 blooms per spike. The key feature of the 'rubra' form is the dramatic, deep red to reddish-purple color of its lip, which provides a stunning contrast to the generally paler sepals and petals.