Cattelya dowiana seedling

Cattleya dowiana is one of the most beautiful and famous species in the Cattleya genus, treasured by collectors since its discovery in 1850. It is especially notable for being the only large-flowered yellow Cattleya species, with striking yellow sepals and petals and a dark crimson-purple lip veined with gold .

Description:

• Flowers: Large, showy, and fragrant. The unique combination of yellow petals and sepals with a richly colored lip makes it highly sought after for both display and hybridization .
• Fragrance: Strong and pleasant, adding to its appeal.
• Size: Medium-sized epiphytic orchid, with clavate pseudobulbs (8–20 cm tall) and a single, fleshy, oblong-elliptic leaf per pseudobulb .

Habitat & Range:

• Native range: Found in Costa Rica and Panama.
• Habitat: Grows epiphytically on trees in humid forests at elevations of 500 to 1400 meters .

Cultivation Tips:

• Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light; can tolerate some morning sun but should be protected from intense midday rays .
• Temperature: Cool to warm growing, reflecting its native mid-elevation habitat.
• Water: Requires regular watering, but the medium should be well-drained. Pseudobulbs may develop ribs if the plant becomes too dry.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity, similar to its natural environment.

Significance:
Cattleya dowiana has played a major role in orchid breeding, especially for introducing yellow coloration into hybrids. Its beauty, fragrance, and rarity make it a prized specimen among orchid enthusiasts.

Summary:
Cattleya dowiana stands out for its large, fragrant, yellow flowers with a dramatic lip, and its influence on hybridization. It is a rewarding but sometimes challenging species to grow, best suited for growers who can provide bright light, high humidity, and careful watering.