Cattleya percivaliana

Cattleya percivaliana (Rchb.f.) O'Brien

Cattleya percivaliana
Although Cattleya percivaliana 'Sonia de Urbano' appears to bean alba form, it actually has a faint trace of pigment
Cattleya percivaliana was discovered in 1881 by William Arnold, a collector for the firm of Sanders. The plants were found in the Venezuelan Andes. When originally described by Reichenbach a year later, it was given only varietal status. Reichenbach favored the concept that all of the labiate cattleyas were merely varieties of Cattleya labiata, a concept which persisted well into the twentieth century. In 1883 James O'Brien gave it specific status in the same publication in which Reichenbach first mentioned it, Gardener's Chronicle.
Cattleya percivaliana is primarily a Venezuelan species from the northwestern mountains although it has been reported from neighboring Colombia as well. The species is generally found between 1400 - 2000 meters but seems to be adaptable to lower elevations. Indeed, even growers in warm sea-level South Florida can grow C. percivaliana without problems. It usually grows as an epiphyte, but is also found growing lithophytically on rocky cliffs where it receives nearly full sun.

C. percivaliana 'Summit' FCC/AOS

Generally, Cattleya percivaliana is a somewhat smaller plant than other labiate cattleyas with the total height around a foot. Flowers are produced 2-6 in the autumn or winter. In nature, they bloom earlier but we always see them at Christmas and the species is often referred to as the "Christmas Orchid". The form of the flowers is generally better than the typical form of other labiate cattleyas; they are fuller and flatter although sometimes smaller. The full form of the flowers has been an attraction to hybridizers, C. percivaliana has been used as a parent more than 130 times.
Although the typical color is pale orchid lavender, there are numerous other color forms and several awarded grexes with C. percivaliana 'Summit' FCC/AOS perhaps being the most widely known. Some varieties are known as "grandifloras" and suspected to be tetraploids. Another notable "Perci" is the albescent C. percivaliana 'Sonia de Urbano' which has several awards in its native country. The flowers have the faintest trace of color offset by an old gold lip. C. percivaliana 'Carache' is a well-known semi-alba grex with a richly-colored lip, the lip color approaching burgundy wine.

Cattleya percivaliana is a rewarding, easy-to-grow species that belongs in any collection that includes cattleyas. Here in South Florida we grow the species in 6-8" clay pots using lava rock as a media. Farther north fir bark might be more appropriate. We water the plants 3 or 4 times a week during the growing season and a day less during winter. They are grown bright with only about 30-40% shade. Labiate cattleyas can also be successfully grown mounted providing that you supply ample water. - G. Allikas

C. percivaliana 'Carace'

Brassavola cucullata Orchid species

Brassavola cucullata (L.) R.Br.

Weird and wonderful, Brassavola cucullata will add a conversation piece to any collection of orchids. Visitors often comment, "that's an orchid?". B. cucullata is the type species for the genus, yet unique with its fringed lip with its long, tapered tip. The species passed through several genera since it was first known as Helleborine floribus albis, cucullatis Plum. (1703) based on a drawing of a plant from Haiti. In 1813 this species was used by R. Brown to establish the genus Brassavola.
This orchid can be found in the West Indies, Mexico, Central America and Colombia, Trinidad, Guyana and Venezuela. As might be expected with such a widely distributed species, it can be adapted to a wide range of cultural environments and generally, is easy to grow. One would also expect such a widely distributed species to display considerable variation in flowers. Surprisingly B. cucullata produces relatively consistent flowers regardless of where the plants originate from. The biggest difference one sees from plant to plant is in the color of the flowers. Although generally concolor white, flowers can have more or less golden petals and sepals and I have seen some examples that have almost reddish flowers. I suspect that these colorful variations might be as much due to cultural factors as genetics because the same plant can produce white flowers one year, and golden ones the next. In any event, there is usually more color on the outside surfaces of the flowers than the insides and the color tends to darken as the flowers age.

Rhynchovola David Sander (Brassavola cucullata x Rhyncholaelia digbyana) )

Like other members of the genus, B. cucullata has terete leaves that are even more pencil-like that its popular cousin, Brassavola nodosa. Whereas the latter species produces mostly upright plants, the subject of this essay often displays a semi-erect or drooping nature. This drooping habit makes B. cucullata well suited for growing on a mount or in a basket. Not only do the plants droop, but so do the flowers. It is precisely these droopy flowers that draw you to, or repel you from this orchid. Either you like the total departure from the full & round standard, or you find it distasteful.
Relatively little hybridizing has been done with B. cucullata. The best-known hybrid is Rhynchovola David Sander (Brassavola cucullata x Rhyncholaelia digbyana). The frilly lip of both parents combines to make a large exotic flower with grace and beauty. A few other successful hybrids are being registered as breeders begin to recognize the species' desirable, although dominant, characteristics. As with other members of the genus, B. cucullata has a sweet fragrance at night which is passed on to its hybrids.

Brassocattleya Crazyulosa (B. cucullata x C. granulosa). Hybrid by Allen Black

Being a low-elevation species from the tropics, B. cucullata can be grown within an intermediate temperature range of 55° to 60° F at night and 70° to 85° F during the day. It will easily tolerate higher temperatures during the summer . Here in South Florida our summer daytime highs will be in the low 90's from July into October. Plants will also tolerate occasional low temperatures below 50° F as long as it is not for prolonged periods and plants are dry. If you choose to grow B. cucullata mounted you will probably need to water it three or more times per week depending on other cultural factors and seasonal growth patterns. Potted plants will need less water but you will need to contain the long terete leaves with a ring stake. If you apply a half-strength solution of balanced fertilizer every week or two, your orchids will grow and flower better than if you don't.

References:Withner, Carl. 1992. The Cattleyas and their Relatives, Volume V. Timber Press. PortlandI. McLeish, N.R.Pearce & B.R.Adams. 1995. Native Orchids of Belize. A.A.Balkema. Rotterdam
Greg Allikas, October 2009

Marriottara Crownfox Telstar 'Crownfox' AM/AOS, 81pts(Blc. Toshie Aoki x B. cucullata)