Name: Lycaste lata Rolfe

Synonyms: Ida lata (Rolfe) A.Ryan & Oakeley; Sudamerlycaste lata (Rolfe) Archila; Lycaste fowliei Oakeley

Etymology: The genus name Lycaste refers to Lykaste, a figure from Greek mythology. The Latin specific epithet lata means "broad" and refers to the broad development of a characteristic plant part or the floral structure.

First description: Robert Allen Rolfe published Lycaste lata in 1910 in the "Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information, Kew". In current Kew taxonomy, the species is listed as Ida lata.

Origin/Distribution: Southern Ecuador to Peru.

Location/Habitat: Pseudobulbous epiphyte of moist tropical forests in the Andean region. The species prefers high humidity, filtered light, and good air circulation. For cultivation, we recommend cool-temperate to temperate conditions of approximately 15–23 °C during the day and 9–15 °C at night. Prolonged heat and complete drying out should be avoided.

Description and notes: Lycaste lata produces robust pseudobulbs with large, folded leaves. The flowers emerge from the base of the pseudobulbs and have the substantial form typical of the South American relatives of the former Lycaste section Fimbriatae. During active growth, water regularly with the softest water possible and keep the substrate evenly lightly moist. Even after the pseudobulbs have matured, the plant should not be allowed to dry out completely for extended periods. A humidity of approximately 70–90% with good air circulation is favorable. We recommend a loose, airy, and slightly moisture-retaining substrate made of fine to medium-sized bark with some sphagnum.