Cattleya perrinii

Several of our favourite Brazilian orchids flower in the autumn months and Cattleya perrinii 'alba' has just opened its large sparkling white flowers.

Cattleya perrinii is a species we have been lucky enough to see in Brazil where it is native to the Organ Mountains near the Atlantic Coast in Rio State. At that time it was included in Laelia.

Richard Warren who hosted our trips to Brazil in the early 2000's has explored the habitats of this lovely orchid and found it growing both as a lithophyte at 600m where plants experience bright light and a six month dry season, and as a mid tree epiphyte at 400m in semi shade and with rainfall throughout the year.

The habitat data suggests plants are not too fussy and we find plants flourish indoors (in warmth) and near a bright window (see plant in our bedroom near a south facing window -picture 2).  In common with several closely related species (once Brazillian Laelias) plants produce relatively few fat roots and the key to success in cultivation seems to be looking after these roots with good drainage and no slugs!

As well as the 'albe' variety with have seedlings in the lab of the normal coloured form (photo 4 shows parent plant) and look forward to having those available in about 12 months.