Cattleya amethystoglossa
Description
Source: leafsnapCattleya amethystoglossa (the "amethyst-lipped Cattley flower") is a bifoliate species of orchid from the genus Cattleya. C. amethystoglossa is native to Brazil in the states of Bahia and possibly Espirito Santo, where it is found near sea level in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. C. amethystoglossa grows on palm tree trunks, rock, and large tree branches high in the canopy of evergreen trees. This plant is found growing in bright, airy, humid locations. Its native range has been greatly reduced due to habitat destruction, logging, and agriculture. C. amethystoglossa is a tall plant and has pseudobulbs that grow to 3 feet (1 meter) tall. Each pseudobulb has two (occasionally three) leathery, green leaves at the top. This species is in the Bifoliate division of Cattleyas. The flowers of C. amethystoglossa grow to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Flowers are produced on terminal flower stems that develop at the apex of the pseudobulb. The unbranched inflorescence produces between ten and 30 blooms. C. amethystoglossa is fragrant. The petals and sepals are light lavender to pale rose in color with mauve or magenta spotting. The amount of spotting varies widely between individuals with some individuals demonstrating few spots. The lip is bright magenta in color and partially wraps around the column. The throat varies in color from white to pale yellow or gold. Flowers are produced from late fall to early spring. C. amethystoglossa grows best in intermediate or warm growing conditions. This species is closely related to C. guttata in many ways but differs in flower color and other minor botanical details. There have been a few coerulea and alba forms found in the wild. There are several synonyms for this species: Cattleya amethystoglossa var. lilacina, Cattleya guttata keteleerii, Cattleya guttatta lilacina, Cattleya guttata prinzii, Cattleya guttata var. prinzii, Cattleya purpurina, Epidendrum amethestoglosum, Epidendrum elatius var. prinzii.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun
Cattleya amethystoglossa originates from habitats like forest understories and rocky sites, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, reflecting its versatile and hardy nature.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Cattleya amethystoglossa does well in warm conditions. It prefers moderately high temperatures but not excessive heat and humidity. Sunlight helps warm the plant and encourages flowering. However, prolonged direct sun in summer can cause sunburn, so it's important to limit the amount of light it receives during that season. The plant generally does not tolerate cold well, so it needs adequate protection and warmer winter temperatures to avoid freezing.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 5-6
🌱 Fertilizer Every 30 days
Correct feeding is essential for Cattleya amethystoglossa's health and appearance. Provide fertilizer to Cattleya amethystoglossa in summer, repeating the treatment monthly throughout the season. Nutrients supply the fuel for growth and upkeep of the plant's tissues. Fertilizing improves Cattleya amethystoglossa's floral display, helping ensure the best blooms.
🪴 Pot & Repot
When repotting Cattleya amethystoglossa, select a slightly larger pot that drains well, ideally a clear orchid pot. Use an orchid-specific, well-draining mix that includes bark or moss. Carefully clean the roots and trim any that are dead or rotting. Repot after flowering, typically in spring or fall, water thoroughly, and place the plant in bright, indirect light. Once repotted, avoid disturbing the roots.
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Cattleya
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm to 40 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Flower Size
- 10.16 cm to 15.24 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late winter, Early spring, Mid spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Brazil