Overview
Cattleya mendelii 'Queen Alexandra' is a epiphytic, upright stems conservatory greenhouse in the genus Cattleya, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen, leathery leaves foliage. Cattleya mendelii 'Queen Alexandra' 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 mendelii 'Queen Alexandra' is a cultivar of the Cattleya genus, a group of tropical orchids native to South and Central America. These epiphytic plants have upright stems with evergreen, leathery leaves and robust, fleshy roots emerging from a thick rhizome. The large flowers appear atop mature pseudobulbs and can last for an extended period, making this cultivar attractive throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Suited for indoor or conservatory cultivation, it thrives in orchid bark with bright indirect light, requiring moist but well-drained loam soil and a sheltered, south- or east-facing aspect.
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 mendelii 'Queen Alexandra' 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 mendelii 'Queen Alexandra'
- Propagation
- Division, Backbulbs
- Pest resistance
- Moderate
- Disease resistance
- Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cattleya mendelii 'Queen Alexandra'?
Cattleya mendelii 'Queen Alexandra' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cattleya mendelii 'Queen Alexandra' need?
Cattleya mendelii 'Queen Alexandra' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Cattleya mendelii 'Queen Alexandra' hardy in the UK?
Cattleya mendelii 'Queen Alexandra' 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 mendelii 'Queen Alexandra'?
Division, Backbulbs.
More in the Cattleya genus
- Cattleya gaskelliana
- Cattleya labiata 'Hercules'
- Cattleya labiata 'Mrs Gustave H. Müller'
- Cattleya labiata 'Purity'
- Cattleya lawrenceana
- Cattleya lueddemanniana
- Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys'
- Cattleya mossiae 'The Baron'
