Cattleya labiata

Cattleya labiata Lindl. 1821

Synonyms: Cattleya bullieri; Cattleya labiata f. albo-oculata; Cattleya labiata f. purpureostriata; Cattleya labiata var. albo-oculata; Cattleya labiata var. amesiana; Cattleya labiata var. amoena; Cattleya labiata var. atropurpurea; Cattleya labiata var. autumnalis; Cattleya labiata var. caerulea; Cattleya labiata var. concolor; Cattleya labiata var genuina; Cattleya labiata var. purpureolineata; Cattleya labiata var. purpureostriata; Cattleya labiata var. semialba; Cattleya labiata var. warocqueana; Cattleya labiata vera; Cattleya labiatum; Cattleya leeana; Cattleya lemoniana; Cattleya massangeana; Cattleya morganae; Cattleya nalderiana; Cattleya oweniana; Cattleya pallida; Cattleya peetersii; Cattleya perrinii; Cattleya regalis; Cattleya rochellensii; Cattleya rollissonii; Cattleya wallisii; Cattleya warocqueana; Epidendrum labiatum.

Distribution: Brazil

Classification:
*SubTribe: Laeliinae
*Genus: Cattleya
*Specie: labiata

Cattleya labiata Lindley 1821
Introduced to the botanical world and general public in 1821 by John Lindley, this 'standing up straight and proud' Cattleya, displays large flowers measuring from 12 cm(5 inch) to 18 cm(7 inch). The impressive blooms stand high above the plant, not crowding each other. This Cattleya labiata is the only large-flowered Cattleya that is growing flowers from a double sheath, and is the only large-flowered Cattleya blooming in autumn. A strong plant grows 3 to 5 flowers.

The original, natural habitat is in the Brazilian northeast...in the states of Alagoas, Pernambuco, Paraiba and Ceara.
Curiously, labiatas coming from Ceara have a better shaped flower but are smaller than labiatas coming from the other Brazilian states.
In their natural habitat Cattleya labiatas have a year round constant temperature from about 25 to 30ºC (77 to 86ºF). The growth cycle is mainly influenced by the difference between the rainy season and the dry season. New growth starts in Spring, completing its growth cycle in Summer...flowering in early Autumn and up to late Autumn, depending on the plant. A flower lasts up to 3 weeks.
Giving the plant a rest after flowering is important.
Water should be given only occasionally for the following four months.
As most of the Cattleyas, the labiata specie need plenty of light. Light green leaves indicates the correct amount of light .
Respecting the natural growth and blooming cycle, we are growing in the south of Brazil this specie very successful under the influence of very distinct seasons. The difference in temperature varies from 5ºC (40ºF) at nighttime in the winter season to 35ºC (95ºF) in the summer season, during daytime. The fact that Cattleya labiata accepts this immense ups and downs in temperature, makes it the easiest to grow under the Cattleya species.