Name: Cattleya harrisoniana Bateman ex Lindl.

Synonyms: Cattleya harrisoniae Paxton; Cattleya brownii Rolfe; Cattleya concolor Drapiez.

Etymology: The genus name Cattleya honors William Cattley, an English orchid collector. The epithet harrisoniana honors Mrs. Harrison, to whom the plant is attributed.

First description: The species was published as Cattleya harrisoniana in 1836 by William Jackson Hooker based on a manuscript by William Bateman.

Origin / Habitat: Southeastern Brazil, especially in moist, swampy, or occasionally waterlogged habitats. It grows epiphytically or lithophytically on shrubs and trees, as well as on suitable rocks.

Description & Care: Medium-sized, two-leaved Cattleya with laterally flattened pseudobulbs and narrowly elliptical to obovate leaves. The short inflorescences usually bear a few fragrant, waxy flowers; they reach approximately 11.25 cm. We cultivate it in bright to sunny conditions with good air circulation and regular moisture during growth. Between waterings, we allow the substrate to dry out slightly. We keep it at moderate to warm temperatures, around 16–28 °C.

In vitro culture: You will receive a flask with 4 young plants. The plants are usually already large enough to be potted. After opening, carefully remove the nutrient medium completely from the roots with lukewarm water and plant the young plants in fine, very airy bark with some sphagnum. During the first few weeks, we recommend high humidity, warm to intermediate conditions, and bright but protected light with good air circulation. Initially, keep the substrate evenly slightly moist; only after they have established securely should you gradually increase the light intensity and allow it to dry out.