Cattleya aurantiaca (Bateman ex Lindley) P.N. Don 1840 is an epiphytic and occasionally lithophytic growing orchid species, endemic to Mexico and El Salvador.

The bright orange flowers reach a size of just about 2,5 cm and are the smallest in the whole Cattleya genus. Inflorescences carry up to about 15 flowers. Flowering period: late winter - spring. Cattleya aurantiaca orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival). Recently we found out, that Cattleya aurantiaca has been moved to the genus Guarianthe, so the correct name, accepted by the science of botany, is Guarianthe aurantiaca (Bateman ex Lindl.) Dressler & W.E. Higgins 2003. Cattleya aurantiaca is still accepted as a synonym. The tropical orchid requires cool - warm temperatures and high humidity. Water and fertilizer should be restricted during the winter rest from December - March, but the plant should never dry out completely. To produce flowers Guarianthe aurantiaca (Cattleya aurantiaca) requires intense light during the growth season.

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Image: Cattleya aurantiaca (Bateman ex Lindl.) P.N. Don 1840
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee

Cattleya species orchids at Orchids Flowers.com:

Cattleya aurantiaca

Cattleya bicolor subsp. brasiliensis

Cattleya forbesii

Cattleya granulosa

Cattleya intermedia

Cattleya schilleriana

Cattleya skinneri, Guarianthe skinneri

Cattleya briegeri