Cattleya

Corsage Orchid, Queen of Orchids

Message of the Flower

Attachment to the Divine

The Mother’s Comment

Wraps itself around the Divine and takes all its support in Him, so as to be sure of never leaving Him. Offers itself spontaneously to the Divine.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

There's only one salvation: to cling to the Divine like this (gesture with two fists).

Not clinging to what one thinks of the Divine, not even to what one feels of the Divine… to an aspiration… an aspiration as sincere as possible. And cling to that.

The Mother, Mother's Agenda: July 17, 1971

The aim of our life on earth is to become conscious of the Divine.

The Mother, Words of the Mother - II: The True Aim of Life

The true aim of life is to find the Divine's Presence deep inside oneself and to surrender to It so that It takes the lead of the life, all the feelings and all the actions of the body.

This gives a true and luminous aim to existence.

The Mother, Words of the Mother - II: The True Aim of Life

Varieties

Message of the Flower

Attachment to the Divine

The Mother’s Comment

Wraps itself around the Divine and finds all its support in Him so as to be sure of never leaving Him.

Colour

Many colours, except white and lavender pink

Message of the Flower

Beauty of Attachment to the Divine

The Mother’s Comment

When the physical world manifests the splendour of the Divine, all will become marvellous.

Colour

Lavender pink, lime green, magenta

Message of the Flower

The Aim of Existence is Realised

The Mother’s Comment

Exists only by and for the Divine.

Colour

White

Family

Orchidaceae

Cultivars

Many, including Cattleya labiata, Cattleya mossiae, and hybrids like Cattleya 'Queen Sirikit'

Person who named the flower

John Lindley named the genus in 1824 in honor of William Cattley.

Flower Size

Can range from 2 inches to over 5 inches in diameter.

Flower Texture

Waxy or slightly velvety.

Number of Petals

Five, with two petals and three sepals; the labellum is modified from the third petal.

Floral Symmetry

Bilateral

Fragrance of Flower

Many species and hybrids are highly fragrant, especially during the day.

Leaf Texture

Leathery

Leaf Arrangement

Alternating along the pseudobulb.

Leaf Color

Deep green.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Epiphytic or lithophytic orchids with pseudobulbs

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Varies by species; many bloom once a year, but some can bloom multiple times.

Climate

Tropical to subtropical; requires a distinct dry season for blooming in many cases.

Water Requirements

Moderate; allow to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil Type

Orchid potting mix; they require excellent drainage.

Temperature Ranges

Prefer temperatures between 55F (13C) at night to 85F (29C) during the day.

Sun or Shade

Bright, indirect light; morning sun is ideal with afternoon shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to spider mites, scale, and fungal infections.

Pollinators

Bees, especially euglossine bees, are primary pollinators.

Habitat

Native to Central and South America, found in forests at various elevations.

Role in the Ecosystem

Pollinator attractors and part of the epiphytic ecosystem in their native habitats.

Ornamental

Highly valued as ornamental plants for their stunning flowers.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Mainly ornamental and in horticultural collections.

Endangered Status

Some species are threatened due to habitat loss and overcollection.

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