Cattleya maxima - upland ecotype

[Rosim_in_BR]

This is found in Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. The species has two distinct ecotypes, the alpine type which plant is short, the flowers of a dark hue and the lip heavily veined with lavender background looking like if it were almost solid, and the lowland ecotype which plant has slender, tall pseudo bulbs topped with long leaves (hence the name 'C. maxima' - large Cattleya), flowers light rose and the lip also veined, but with white background. The third picture is a montage to show both together.

[unhappykat]

wow very nice, I wish i could find those here in the states.

[Phantasm]

Cattleya maxima is common in the U.S. and Canada in both the upland and lowland varieties. Both are spectacular and desireable. Thanks for the pictures!

[unhappykat]

Originally Posted by Phantasm

Cattleya maxima is common in the U.S. and Canada in both the upland and lowland varieties. Both are spectacular and desireable. Thanks for the pictures!

Do you know of any sources outside of oakhill and orchid web who carry them at a reasonable price?
I have searched for several species of cattleya and have found them very difficult to find and when I do they are often ridiculously small or overpriced or both.

[jim blanford]

Unhappykat, did you try Santa Barbara Orchid Estate.

[dgenovese1]

Mauro,

Both are beautiful in their own rights.

They look like they would be very fragrant. Am I correct on this assumption?

I may have to find one of the lowland type, as I live very close to sea level. The alpine variety probably won't do too well here.

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by dgenovese1

Mauro,

Both are beautiful in their own rights.

They look like they would be very fragrant. Am I correct on this assumption?

I may have to find one of the lowland type, as I live very close to sea level. The alpine variety probably won't do too well here.

Yes, they are fragrant!

[isurus79]

Very nice! Maxima's are one of my favorite Catt types. Thanks for the pics!

[Dorothy]

I love the comparison photo !
Gorgeous cattleya
I have a seedling I bought last year and it's growing .. slooooooowly, but growing ..
I'm not sure which variety it is, though ..

[unhappykat]

Originally Posted by jim blanford

Unhappykat, did you try Santa Barbara Orchid Estate.

Yes I know they have plants of this species offered but have you seen their prices, then shipping on top, overkill, just like orchid web.