Crimson cattleya Cattleya labiata
Crimson cattleya (Cattleya labiata) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Orchidaceae family, native to NE Brazil (epiphytic in Atlantic Forest). It grows 25–45 cm (10–18 in) tall and 25–40 cm (10–16 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Crimson cattleya in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Crimson cattleya at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Mature height | 25–45 cm (10–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | NE Brazil (epiphytic in Atlantic Forest) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇨🇴 Colombia |
Is Crimson cattleya toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Orchids (Cattleya) are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Crimson cattleya
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See Crimson cattleya in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (20 plants)
- Na ʻĀina Kai Botanical Gardens (12 plants)
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (8 plants)
Questions about Crimson cattleya
- How far apart should I plant Crimson cattleya?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–40 cm (10–16 in).
- Does Crimson cattleya need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Crimson cattleya need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Crimson cattleya?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Crimson cattleya flower?
- From about September for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Crimson cattleya poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Orchids (Cattleya) are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Crimson cattleya?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Crimson cattleya. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora e Funga do Brasil, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (REFLORA)
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: outdoors only where frost never occurs; elsewhere under heated glass.
- Epiphyte: grown on bark or a basket, not in soil. Its 1818 flowering in England started the Victorian orchid craze.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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