Name: Cattleya Dominiana (1859) 'Coerulea Splash'

Synonyms: Cattleya × dominiana; Cattleya × dominiana alba

Etymology: The name Dominiana was given in honor of Mr. Dominy, an employee of the Veitch nursery. “Coerulea” refers to the blue-violet color form, while “Splash” describes the speckled pattern.

First description: The grex Cattleya Dominiana was registered by Veitch in Exeter in 1859. The historical cross is listed as Cattleya intermedia × Cattleya maxima.

Origin / breeding: This historic Cattleya grex is an artificial hybrid. According to the product information, the cultivated form featured here comes from Cattleya intermedia 'coerulea-aquinii' × Cattleya maxima 'coerulea'.

Description & notes: A vigorous Cattleya hybrid with leathery leaves and striking blue-violet splashed flowers. We grow it in very bright conditions, with good air movement and thorough watering during growth. The potting medium may dry out slightly between waterings. We keep it warm to intermediate, at around 18–30 °C.