Cattleya warscewiczii

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Cattleya warscewiczii (f. flammea ‘Gigante de Cuite’ x tipo ‘1776’)

Cattleya warscewiczii was described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1854 after Józef Warszewicz, a Polish botanist and orchid collector who discovered it in Colombia. A synonym, Cattleya gigas is still used colloquially, reflecting its massive flowers. It is one of the largest-flowered Cattleya species, it’s a cornerstone of orchid breeding and a favorite among collectors for its dramatic blooms. The species is native to Colombia and is found growing in humid montane forests or as a lithophyte on rocky slopes at elevation of 600-1,500 meters. Our plants are well grown, Near Blooming Size (NBS), and fully acclimated to outdoor growing in South Florida. We are expecting some to show drake-colored flares on the petals. Cattleya warscewiczii is a majestic species with colossal, fragrant blooms, embodying the grandeur of Cattleya orchids.

Appearance

Plant Structure:

  • A unifoliate epiphyte with tall, club-shaped pseudobulbs (20-50 cm long), each bearing one thick, leathery leaf (20-35 cm long, oblong to elliptic).

  • Growth habit is robust and upright, with a strong, architectural presence.

Flowers:

  • Size: Exceptionally large, 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) across, among the biggest in the Cattleya genus.

  • Color: Petals and sepals are typically rose-lavender to deep pinkish-purple, with a glossy finish. The lip is a darker magenta or reddish-purple, sometimes veined with purple, but always exhibiting two prominent yellow-colored eyes basally in the throat. Variants include alba (white) and semi-alba (white petals with colored lip) forms, though these are rarer.

  • Shape: Broad, rounded petals and sepals with a prominent, trumpet-shaped lip that’s ruffled and flared at the edges—a quintessential Cattleya silhouette.

  • Count: 3-7 flowers per inflorescence (sometimes up to 10 on exceptional plants), emerging from a terminal sheath on new growths.

  • Fragrance: Strongly fragrant, with a sweet, spicy, or citrusy scent often described as rich and complex, lingering in the air.

Cattleya warscewiczii (f. flammea ‘Gigante de Cuite’ x tipo ‘1776’)

Cattleya warscewiczii was described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1854 after Józef Warszewicz, a Polish botanist and orchid collector who discovered it in Colombia. A synonym, Cattleya gigas is still used colloquially, reflecting its massive flowers. It is one of the largest-flowered Cattleya species, it’s a cornerstone of orchid breeding and a favorite among collectors for its dramatic blooms. The species is native to Colombia and is found growing in humid montane forests or as a lithophyte on rocky slopes at elevation of 600-1,500 meters. Our plants are well grown, Near Blooming Size (NBS), and fully acclimated to outdoor growing in South Florida. We are expecting some to show drake-colored flares on the petals. Cattleya warscewiczii is a majestic species with colossal, fragrant blooms, embodying the grandeur of Cattleya orchids.

Appearance

Plant Structure:

  • A unifoliate epiphyte with tall, club-shaped pseudobulbs (20-50 cm long), each bearing one thick, leathery leaf (20-35 cm long, oblong to elliptic).

  • Growth habit is robust and upright, with a strong, architectural presence.

Flowers:

  • Size: Exceptionally large, 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) across, among the biggest in the Cattleya genus.

  • Color: Petals and sepals are typically rose-lavender to deep pinkish-purple, with a glossy finish. The lip is a darker magenta or reddish-purple, sometimes veined with purple, but always exhibiting two prominent yellow-colored eyes basally in the throat. Variants include alba (white) and semi-alba (white petals with colored lip) forms, though these are rarer.

  • Shape: Broad, rounded petals and sepals with a prominent, trumpet-shaped lip that’s ruffled and flared at the edges—a quintessential Cattleya silhouette.

  • Count: 3-7 flowers per inflorescence (sometimes up to 10 on exceptional plants), emerging from a terminal sheath on new growths.

  • Fragrance: Strongly fragrant, with a sweet, spicy, or citrusy scent often described as rich and complex, lingering in the air.

Growing Conditions

  • Light: Bright, indirect light (2,500-4,000 foot-candles). Tolerates morning sun but needs filtering in intense climates to avoid leaf burn.

  • Temperature: Intermediate to warm, 60°F-85°F (15.5°C-29°C). Handles cooler nights (50°F/10°C) during winter rest.

  • Humidity: 50%-80%. Higher humidity supports its vigorous growth, especially in summer.

  • Watering: Water thoroughly when the medium (coarse bark or mounted) dries—weekly in summer, less in winter during dormancy. Avoid water pooling in sheaths.

  • Fertilizer: Weekly 1/2 strength orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) during growth (spring-summer), reduced in fall-winter.

Blooming

  • Season: Summer to early fall (July-September in the Northern Hemisphere), occasionally extending into October.

  • Trigger: A dry rest in late winter/early spring (reduced watering after pseudobulbs mature) followed by increased light and water as new growths emerge.

  • Duration: Flowers last 2-4 weeks, longer in cooler, humid conditions.

Unique Traits

  • Gigantic Blooms: Its sheer flower size earns it the nickname "Gigantea," making it a showstopper in collections and exhibitions.

  • Fragrance: One of the most aromatic Cattleya species, with a scent that fills a room, appealing to growers and pollinators alike.

  • Variability: Natural forms include alba, semi-alba, and coerulea-like (bluish) variants, though the latter is extremely rare and less documented.

Care Tips

  • Potting: Use coarse bark or mount on cork/wood for drainage and air exposure. Its large pseudobulbs need room, so repot every 2-3 years post-blooming when new roots start.

  • Rest Period: Critical for flowering—reduce water in winter, resuming with spring growth.

  • Pests: Watch for scale or mealybugs, common in Cattleya species, though not unusually prone.

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