Cattleya bicolor subsp. brasiliensis Fowlie 1977 is an epiphytic growing orchid species, native to Brazil.

As we found that beautiful orchid at an orchid exhibition in our home town Chiang Mai, North Thailand, it was labeled as Cattleya bicolor var. grossii, but we finally found out that its`s a subsp. brasiliensis, not a var. grossii. The purple lip of Cattleya bicolor var. grossii is much wider and starts with nearby no straight part, whilst flowers are smaller. The lip of Cattleya bicolor subsp. brasiliensis has a straight part, but shorter than C. bicolor, which has a long straight part and a longer, a bit curly lip. The flowers of C. bicolor are highly fragrant and get a size of about 10 cm in diameter. The short inflorescences can carry up to 7 flowers. Flowering period: Autumn. The tropical orchid requires cool - warm temperatures and should be watered about once a week. Cattleya bicolor Lindl. 1836 orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival).

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Cattleya bicolor subsp. brasiliensis
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