Source: Wikimedia Commons
Amethyst-lipped Cattleya
IntermediateCattleya amethystoglossa
A tall Brazilian Cattleya that bears clusters of 10-30 pale, purple-spotted flowers atop its long pseudobulbs, with a vivid magenta lip and a pleasant scent.
About
Cattleya amethystoglossa is a bifoliate Cattleya, carrying two leaves per pseudobulb; the name means amethyst-lipped. It grows in Bahia and neighbouring parts of Brazil, from near sea level close to the Atlantic to about 600 m, on rocks, palm trunks and high branches in bright, airy, humid places; its range has shrunk greatly through clearing and logging. The cylindrical pseudobulbs reach about 90 cm and carry two, occasionally three, leathery leaves. From late autumn to early spring a stem from the top of the pseudobulb bears 10-30 flowers about 10 cm across. The sepals and petals are pale lilac to pale pink with purple or magenta spots, the amount of spotting varying widely, and the lip is bright magenta. It is sold under names such as alba, coerulea and rosea, and is told apart from the similar C. guttata by the flower ground colour and lip. Give ample light, water and fertilizer while it grows and a definite dry rest afterwards. In Japan it is sold by specialist orchid nurseries.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Amethyst-lipped Cattleya
The Amethyst-lipped Cattleya grows to Pseudobulbs about 90 cm tall; flowers about 10 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Brazil (Bahia and nearby states, near sea level to about 600 m)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Pseudobulbs about 90 cm tall; flowers about 10 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Regular dilute liquid fertilizer while growing
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It likes strong light; shade from midsummer sun and give plenty of light the rest of the year.
Watering
Water thoroughly as the medium dries while growing; cut back during the rest after flowering.
Temperature & Overwintering
An intermediate to warm grower; keep it in a warm room in winter.
Soil & Repotting
It is tall and top-heavy, so use a heavy pot with bark and stake the pseudobulbs; repot as new growth starts.
Dormancy Care
A definite dry rest is important for flowering the following year.
Amethyst-lipped Cattleya FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Amethyst-lipped Cattleya?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Amethyst-lipped Cattleya get?
The mature size of Amethyst-lipped Cattleya is Pseudobulbs about 90 cm tall; flowers about 10 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Amethyst-lipped Cattleya?
Amethyst-lipped Cattleya: watering & fertilizer — Regular dilute liquid fertilizer while growing. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Amethyst-lipped Cattleya?
The price of Amethyst-lipped Cattleya varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Cattleya amethystoglossa Linden & Rchb.f. ex R.Warner
Synonyms: Cattleya amethystoglossa f. alba (L.C.Menezes & Braem) K.A.Roberts, Cattleya amethystoglossa var. alba L.C.Menezes & Braem, Cattleya amethystoglossa var. keteleeri (Houllet) K.A.Roberts, Cattleya amethystoglossa var. rosea Rolfe, Cattleya guttata var. keteleeri Houllet, Cattleya guttata var. lilacina Rchb.f.
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole orchid family is listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires permits such as export permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or transfer plants within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Nationally Rare Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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