Name: Laelia purpurata Lindl.
Synonyms: Cattleya purpurata (Lindl.) Van den Berg; Sophronitis purpurata (Lindl.) C.Van den Berg & M.W.Chase
Etymology: purpurata = purple-colored / dressed in purple (Latin — referring to the intensely purple markings on the flower lip). 
First description: 1852 by John Lindley in Paxton's Flower Garden (3: 111).
Origin / Distribution: Brazil (endemic to the southeast and south, primarily in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul).

Location / Habitat: Epiphytic on tall trees in coastal forests (Restinga) as well as in humid coastal mountain forests near the Atlantic at elevations from sea level to approx. 400 meters. It is adapted to very bright locations with high humidity and a constant sea breeze.

Description & Notes: Laelia purpurata is one of the most spectacular and majestic orchid species of Brazil (often referred to as the "Queen of neotropical orchids"). It grows vigorously and forms club-shaped pseudobulbs, each with a large, stiffly leathery leaf. The inflorescences produce up to 7 huge, fragrant flowers (15–20 cm), which captivate with radiant white to pink petals and a deep purple-violet lip with yellow stripes inside.

In vitro culture: You will receive one flask containing 4 young plants. The plants are generally large enough to be deflasked. After opening, carefully remove the nutrient medium completely from the roots using lukewarm water and pot the young plants in fine, very airy bark with some sphagnum moss. For the first few weeks, we recommend high humidity, warm to 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 seasonally drier cultivation should only be introduced slowly once the young plants are vigorous and well established.