Cattleya dormaniana

This species is also known as Dorman's Cattleya and is native to the jungles of Brazil. Cattleya dormaniana is found growing Organ Mountains in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro thriving at moderate elevation in humid conditions.

Cattleya dormaniana is a medium-sized bifoliate Cattleya and has slender, cane-like pseudobulbs with two narrow leaves on top.

Flowers grow to 3 inch (8 cm) and are fragrant. The richly colored bronze flowers of Cattleya dormaniana are pleasantly accented with a ruby or magenta lip. Only one or two flowers are produced by each growth.  Blooms in autumn.

Provide intermediate to warm orchid growing temperatures for best results. In its native environment, summer days average 82-84 F (28-29 C), and nights average 71-72 F (22 C), with a diurnal range of 11-12 F (6-7 C). Winter days in its habitat average 77-79 F (25-26 C), and nights average 64-65 F (17-19 C), with a diurnal range of 9-11 F (5-6 C).

Provide average to bright Cattleya light. Provide 80-85 percent humidity for most of the year. Its acceptable for summer humidity to drop into the 75-80 percent range. Cattleya dormaniana should be watered regularly throughout the year, but they must dry rapidly after watering. Make sure that the plants never stay dry for long periods of time, however. Divide, repot, or remount only when new root growth is just starting. This lets the plant become established in the shortest possible time with the greatest success. Easy to grow.