Cattleya purpurata spike. The flowers are long-lasting and fragrant. "Cattleya × elegans" is a hybrid orchid with a formula hybridae "Cattleya purpurata" (Lindl. & Paxton) Van den Berg (2008) × "Cattleya tigrina" A.Rich. (1848). It is found in South and South-East Brazil. Cattleya purpurata Cattleya purpurata, known in the past as Laelia purpurata and Sophronitis purpurata, is native to Brazil where it is very popular among orchid growers. It is an epiphyte that is found in the canopy of tall trees near coastal areas, in the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo. The orchid favors bright
Cattleya rex and enclosed environment will attract fungi or bacterial diseases). This species does not tolerate dryness for long periods, so watering must be done regularly and should be reduced in frequency during winter. However, the growing medium (cork slabs, baskets or pots) must have good drainage, so the roots can dry properly after watering or root rot may appear. Light requirements are high but not direct sunlight. Shade is needed during summer and brightest days of other seasons (especially if leaves turn yellow). Humidity must be between 50-70%, it can be achieved with the help of misters or humidifiers. Cattleya rex