Cattleya coccinea x 'Pepe'

This is a selected cross of the species Sophronitis coccinea (often classified as C. coccinea), native to the mountains and coastal regions of Brazil. This cross utilizes a standard plant crossed with the superior 'Pepe' clone, which has been selected for its larger flower size and intense color saturation. 

• Light: Requires bright, filtered light. High light levels are essential to encourage flowering, but the plant must be protected from harsh, direct sun, which can scorch the small, fleshy leaves.
• Temperature: A cool-to-intermediate growing species. Maintain daytime temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C), with night temperatures dropping into the 50-60°F (10-16°C) range. The cool nights are critical for spike initiation.
• Humidity: High humidity is vital, ideally 60% to 80%, to replicate its cloud forest habitat. Excellent and constant air circulation is mandatory, as this plant is prone to spotting in stagnant conditions.
• Watering: Water frequently throughout the year, as the fine roots should never be allowed to dry out completely. It is often grown mounted or in small pots with sphagnum moss to maintain constant moisture.

Additional Notes

The flowers from this cross are expected to be remarkably large for the size of the plant, often 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across. They exhibit a brilliant, intense scarlet to fire-engine red color, a trait enhanced by the 'Pepe' clone. The blossoms are long-lasting and produced terminally on the diminutive pseudobulbs.