There are two extraordinary species of Cattleya nicknamed "Christmas Orchid." They get their nickname from the fact that they display their beautiful blooms around Christmas time.
The first Cattleya "Christmas Orchid" is Cattleya percivaliana. Although this is a relatively small plant (under 9" (23cm) in height), the flowers are quite large in relation to its size and they can reach 5"(12.5cm) across. The blossoms are lavender to rose colored with a frilly lip and a touch of yellow in the throat. It usually produces 3 or 4 flowers per growth. Many of you may know Cattleyas are known for their beautiful fragrance. But not this one! In the world of orchids, there seems to be always an exception to any rule and this one is some exception! I would not be giving this orchid to your sweetheart for Christmas because although a very pretty flower, it has a horrible smell-- somewhat like a stink bug!
Cattleya percivaliana are cool growing orchids. To care for them, they require an abundance of light to produce its flowers and ample water when active in growth. Allow this orchid to dry and have a short rest in the winter right before flowering.
The other Cattleya "Christmas Orchid" is Cattleya traianaei. It is this fantastic lavender orchid that is on display on my main page. This orchid is one of the most cultivated Cattleya species in the orchid community because of its extraordinarily beautiful blossoms. Cattleya traianaei was discovered in the 1800's in Colombia and is now the national flower of Colombia. It is said that this large Cattleya was one of the orchids that started the Victorian orchid mania around 1840 in England. This species produces blossoms in many colors from pure white to the deep lavenders and anything in between. The flowers are 6 to 9" (15-23cm) across and are borne on large pseudobulbs up to 12" (30cm) tall. C. traianaei begins to bloom around December and continues its show for the next four or five months! And it SMELLS GOOD too!
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