Overview
Cattleya violacea is a epiphytic, upright stems conservatory greenhouse in the genus Cattleya, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen, leathery leaves foliage. Cattleya violacea 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 violacea is a species of orchid native to the lowland rainforests of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, being the most widespread of all Cattleya species in the wild. C. Violacea has been found throughout northern South America. Orchids of this species grow on trees along rivers, as they require heat and moisture year round. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs subtropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1b). It works well for indoor plant and conservatory plant. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and east-facing aspects. Grow in specialist orchid compost. Provide bright, indirect light.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cattleya violacea
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 violacea 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 violacea
- Propagation
- Division, Backbulbs
- Pest resistance
- Moderate
- Disease resistance
- Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cattleya violacea?
Cattleya violacea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cattleya violacea need?
Cattleya violacea grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Cattleya violacea hardy in the UK?
Cattleya violacea 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 violacea?
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 mendelii 'Queen Alexandra'