Overview
Cattleya labiata 'Hercules' is a epiphytic, upright stems conservatory greenhouse in the genus Cattleya, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen, leathery leaves foliage. Cattleya labiata 'Hercules' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include indoor plant and conservatory plant.
About
Cattleya labiata 'Hercules' is a cultivar of the Cattleya genus, tropical epiphytic orchids native to South and Central America. This plant features upright stems with evergreen, leathery leaves and produces large flowers on mature pseudobulbs that can last for an extended period. It thrives in bright indirect light with orchid bark as a growing medium and prefers moist but well-drained, neutral pH loam soil. Suitable as an indoor or conservatory plant in the UK, it requires a sheltered position with full sun to partial shade and is hardy to H1b. It can be propagated by division or backbulbs and is of interest throughout all seasons.
About the genus
Cattleya is a genus of orchids from Costa Rica south to Argentina. The genus is abbreviated C in trade journals.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cattleya", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cattleya
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cattleya
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Cattleya labiata 'Hercules' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Epiphytic, Upright stems
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Leathery leaves
- Suggested uses
- Indoor plant, Conservatory plant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cattleya labiata 'Hercules'
- Propagation
- Division, Backbulbs
- Pest resistance
- Moderate
- Disease resistance
- Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cattleya labiata 'Hercules'?
Cattleya labiata 'Hercules' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cattleya labiata 'Hercules' need?
Cattleya labiata 'Hercules' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Cattleya labiata 'Hercules' hardy in the UK?
Cattleya labiata 'Hercules' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Cattleya labiata 'Hercules'?
Division, Backbulbs.
