Name: Cattleya labiata Lindl.

Synonyms: Epidendrum labiatum; Cattleya bullieri; numerous described varieties and forms

Etymology: The genus name Cattleya honors the English orchid collector and enthusiast William Cattley. The epithet labiata means “having a lip” and refers to the prominent flower lip.

First description: The species was described by John Lindley in 1824.

Origin / Habitat: Brazil, especially the northeast and southeast. It grows epiphytically or lithophytically in seasonally dry tropical habitats.

Description & Notes: A robust, pseudobulb-forming Cattleya with large, showy flowers and a strongly pronounced lip. The flowers appear on mature pseudobulbs. We grow it in very bright light, with good air movement and thorough watering during active growth; the potting medium should be allowed to dry out considerably between waterings. We keep it at around 15–30 °C and somewhat drier in winter.