Cattleya iricolor

Introducing the mesmerizing Cattleya iricolor, famously known as the Rainbow-colored Cattleya, a botanical wonder found nestled in the lush landscapes of Peru and Ecuador. This elusive beauty thrives as an epiphytic species, gracefully adorning trees in the moist forests and scaling the eastern slopes of mountains at elevations ranging from 450 to 1700 meters above sea level.

Considered a rare gem among orchid enthusiasts, the Rainbow-colored Cattleya boasts an enchanting bloom cycle, gracing us with its vibrant presence in late winter and spring. Picture-perfect flowers, measuring 8-10 cm in diameter, exude a delicate fragrance, with cream-yellow hues painting a serene canvas. Delicate tepals, narrow and linear, gently arch, revealing subtle hints of back-bent edges.

Marvel at the sepals, elegantly shaped with dimensions ranging from 4.5 to 5 cm in length and 1 cm in width, with lateral sepals forming a crescent silhouette. Petals, akin to their counterparts, showcase uniformity in length, while a select few extend a tad longer, adding a whimsical touch to the floral ensemble.

The pièce de résistance lies in the lip, a triple masterpiece spanning 4.5 to 5 cm in length. Its lateral embrace delicately shrouds the column within, while the front portion, adorned in pristine white, unfurls with a width of 1.5 cm. A playful dance of carmine-red accents and golden-yellow hues embellish the inner sanctum of the lip, drawing the gaze deeper into its enchanting depths. Behold the column, standing tall at 1.5-1.8 cm, its arched form cloaked in creamy white, punctuated by a subtle blush of pink.

Cultivating the Rainbow-colored Cattleya is a journey of patience and care. Mimicking its natural habitat, provide a well-draining medium and ample indirect sunlight. Maintain moderate humidity levels and water sparingly, allowing the roots to dry slightly between watering sessions. During the growing season, provide a balanced fertilizer to support robust growth and prolific blooms.

This is a blooming size bare root division in a 4” pot, newly repotted, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

Indulge in the allure of the Rainbow-colored Cattleya, an exquisite testament to the beauty of nature's palette. Whether adorning your living space or gracing a botanical sanctuary, let its ethereal charm captivate hearts and inspire admiration.