Name: Cattleya virens (Lindl.) Van den Berg

Synonyms: Laelia virens Lindl.; Brasilaelia virens (Lindl.) Campacci; Chironiella virens (Lindl.) Braem; Hadrolaelia virens (Lindl.) Chiron & V.P.Castro; Sophronitis virens (Lindl.) Van den Berg & M.W.Chase

Etymology: The epithet virens is derived from Latin and means “green”; it refers to the greenish color of the flowers.

First description: The species was described by John Lindley in 1844 as Laelia virens. The combination Cattleya virens was published by Van den Berg in 2008.

Origin / Habitat: Southeast Brazil, as an epiphyte in moist forests at approximately 1000–1500 m. It grows under a shading canopy.

Description & Notes: Compactly growing Cattleya relative with single leaves on the pseudobulbs. The terminal inflorescences usually bear 3–5 flowers, which can grow up to approximately 11 cm in size; greenish-yellow flowers contrast with the light-colored lip. We cultivate it in bright to partial shade, with good air circulation and regular moisture during growth. Between waterings, the substrate may dry out slightly. We keep it at moderate to warm temperatures, approximately 18–30 °C.

In vitro culture: You will receive a bottle with 4 young plants. The plants are usually already large enough to be potted. After carefully removing the nutrient medium, we pot them in fine, airy bark with some sphagnum. During the first few weeks, we recommend approximately 20–25 °C, high humidity, good air circulation, and bright but protected light. Keep the substrate evenly slightly moist and avoid waterlogging; as soon as new roots and leaves grow, gradually reduce the humidity and slowly acclimate the plants to slightly brighter conditions and short drying periods.