Cattleya dowiana

Dow's Cattleya was named in honor of Captain Dow, an American ship captain who lived in the nineteenth century. Cattleya dowiana has an incredibly showy flower and has been used by breeders to make some important and beautiful hybrids. There is a great deal of similarity between this species and Cattleya aurea.

Cattleya dowiana is native to Costa Rica, Panama. Cattleya dowiana grows on the Caribbean coast and can be found growing between 250 and 2500 meters in elevation. Cattleya dowiana's preferred habitat is mature tree crowns high off the ground.

This is a medium-sized unifoliate orchid. Pseudobulbs of Cattleya dowiana grow 3 1/4 inches to 8 inches (8-20 cm) tall and are partially hidden by papery basal sheaths when young. A single light green, fleshy leaf grows at the top of the pseudobulb.

Cattleya dowiana is fragrant and very showy. This species is best known for its yellow coloration and very dramatic lip. The petals and sepal are a coppery-yellow. The lip is dark wine red and very intricately veined with gold. The flower stem is 5 inches (12.5 cm) long. The flower spike will have anywhere from one to six flowers. Unfortunately, the flowers are short-lived.  Flowers are 5 inches (15 cm) wide and it blooms in the summer and fall.

Provide warm to hot growing conditions.  This orchid really appreciates a warm place in the greenhouse with extra humidity and good air circulation.