Cattleya purpurata var. flammea: Species Orchid Care Guide | Designs by Nature
Cattleya purpurata var. flammea: The Flame Cattleya
Among the many varieties of Cattleya purpurata, var. flammea stands apart. Where the standard form carries white to pale pink petals, flammea is ablaze — the petals and sepals are heavily suffused and striped with rose-purple to magenta, a characteristic that gives the variety its name. Combined with the richly veined purple lip common to the species, the result is one of the most striking orchid flowers you can grow. Add to that a powerful, sweet fragrance and a robust, easy-going constitution, and it's little wonder this variety is coveted by collectors worldwide.
Cattleya purpurata is the state flower of Santa Catarina in Brazil, where it grows in the Atlantic Forest at moderate elevations. Var. flammea is a naturally occurring colour form, not a hybrid — every plant is botanically authentic.
Check availibility of Cattleya purpurata var. flammea here.
Natural Habitat
Cattleya purpurata is endemic to southern Brazil, found in the states of Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and Paraná. It grows as an epiphyte in the Atlantic Forest at elevations of 200–900 m, often in exposed positions on the outer branches of tall trees where it receives strong, broken light and excellent airflow. The climate is warm and wet in summer with a distinct dry, cooler winter — a seasonal pattern that drives the growth cycle and is the key to flowering it reliably in cultivation.
Light
Cattleya purpurata wants bright light — more than most growers give their Cattleyas. In nature it grows in exposed canopy positions with strong filtered light and periods of direct sun. In cultivation, 30–50% shade cloth is appropriate; the foliage should be a mid to yellow-green rather than deep green. Plants grown in too much shade produce tall, weak pseudobulbs and rarely flower. If you can give it a spot with morning sun and bright filtered light for the rest of the day, it will thrive. In southern states, during winter, the full sun position is beneficial, move under shade cloth from September to April.
Temperature
This is an intermediate-growing species with a useful tolerance of temperature variation:
- Day temperatures: 20–28°C
- Night temperatures: 10–15°C
The cooler, drier winter period is an important flowering trigger — a drop in night temperatures combined with reduced watering signals the plant to initiate flower spikes. In most temperate and subtropical parts of Australia it will handle outdoor growing under shelter year-round, with minimal intervention needed.
Watering
Follow the seasons closely. During the growing season (spring through autumn) water freely, allowing the medium to approach dryness between waterings — Cattleyas dislike sitting in wet medium. In winter, reduce watering significantly and allow the pseudobulbs to rest. Some minor shrivelling of pseudobulbs over winter is normal. Resume regular watering when new growth begins to emerge in spring.
Good drainage and airflow around the roots are more important than frequency — always water in a way that allows the medium to dry between applications.
Humidity
Aim for 50–70% relative humidity during the growing season. Cattleya purpurata is more tolerant of lower humidity than many tropical orchids, and good airflow is more beneficial than chasing high humidity numbers. Avoid stagnant air around the foliage, especially in cooler months.
Potting and Mounting
Cattleya purpurata grows large — mature plants can reach 60–70 cm in height with substantial pseudobulbs. Plan accordingly:
- Potted: Use a very coarse, open bark mix in a pot that is snug rather than oversized. Terracotta or wooden slatted baskets both work well.
- Mounted: Large cork or hardwood slabs suit this species beautifully in humid greenhouse conditions. Mounted plants grow vigorously and tend to flower more freely.
Repot every 2–3 years when the rhizome begins to climb over the edge of the pot, ideally just as new roots emerge in spring.
Flowering
Var. flammea produces large, showy flowers — typically 15–18 cm across — with petals and sepals heavily suffused and striped in rose-purple to magenta, and a richly coloured purple lip. One to three flowers are carried per spike, with a powerful sweet fragrance that fills a room. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer in cultivation, typically triggered by the combination of warming temperatures and resumption of watering after the winter rest. Flowers last three to four weeks on the plant.
Growing from Flask
Our Cattleya purpurata var. flammea is available as seedling flasks — true-to-type plants propagated from select stock. Deflask into fine bark and perlite under high humidity, and expect 4–6 years to first flowering. The wait is worth it: flask-grown plants develop into vigorous, multi-pseudobulb specimens that improve with each passing year, becoming more floriferous as the colony matures. Occasionally we might have seedlings and flowering size plants available, they tend to sell out fast, before we can list them online.
Why Grow var. flammea?
The standard Cattleya purpurata is already a magnificent plant. Var. flammea takes it further — the intensity of colour on the petals and sepals sets it apart from every other form of the species, and among Cattleyas generally. This is a plant that experienced collectors actively seek out, and one that never fails to draw attention in flower. At Designs by Nature, offering genuinely identified variety-level plants like this is central to what we do.
Designs by Nature is a small Australian orchid nursery and laboratory specialising in species orchids. Our flasks are grown in-house, sourced from reputable international suppliers.