Name: Cattleya kleberi (F.E.L.Miranda) Van den Berg
Synonyms: Hoffmannseggella kleberi F.E.L.Miranda; Sophronitis kleberi (F.E.L.Miranda) C.Van den Berg & M.W.Chase
Etymology: kleberi = Named in honor of the Brazilian orchid collector and explorer Kleber Garcia de Lacerda.

Original description: Originally described in 2005 by Francisco E. L. Miranda as Hoffmannseggella kleberi; transferred to the genus Cattleya in 2008 by Cássio van den Berg.
Origin / Distribution: Brazil (endemic to the state of Minas Gerais).
Location / Habitat: Rupicolous/lithophytic, growing on exposed rock formations (quartzite rocks) in the Serra do Espinhaço at altitudes of approx. 1,000 to 1,400 meters. It is adapted to direct sun, strong day-night temperature fluctuations, and winds.
Description & Notes: Cattleya kleberi belongs to the rupicolous (rock-dwelling) Cattleyas. It is a compact species with dense, ovoid to cylindrical pseudobulbs, each bearing a single, very thick, leathery-fleshy leaf. The upright inflorescence produces 2 to 6 strikingly bright, yellow to yellow-orange flowers. The waxy petals have a firm texture, and the three-lobed lip exhibits a strongly wavy, intensely yellow coloration.

In cultivation, this light-intensive species requires a great deal of brightness and can tolerate direct sun once acclimated. Due to its natural habitat on bare rock, the root system is extremely sensitive to stagnant moisture; it is best cultivated in clay pots with very coarse, purely mineral substrate (e.g., pumice, lava) or mounted. Water regularly during growth, but the substrate must dry out quickly afterward. In winter, a cooler, bright resting phase with significantly reduced watering should be observed.

In-vitro culture: You will receive a flask with 4 young plants. The plants are generally large enough to be deflasked. 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 a mineral component. For the first few weeks, we recommend high humidity, intermediate conditions, and bright but protected light with good air circulation. Keep the substrate evenly slightly moist at first; only gradually increase light intensity and drying out once they are securely established. A drier resting phase should only be introduced slowly once the young plants are strong and well-established.