Source: Wikimedia Commons
Scarlet Cattleya
AdvancedCattleya coccinea
A miniature Cattleya under 10 cm tall from the mountain forests of Brazil's Atlantic coast. It bears brilliant scarlet flowers 4-6 cm across, remarkably large for the plant. It was formerly known as Sophronitis coccinea.
About
Cattleya coccinea is a miniature epiphytic orchid. It was long known as Sophronitis coccinea, the best-known species of Sophronitis; when Sophronitis was merged into Cattleya it took its current name, though the old name is still in use. It grows in the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil (from Rio de Janeiro to Rio Grande do Sul) and in Misiones, Argentina, in cloud forest in the coastal ranges at 650-1,670 m on slender mossy branches and rocks. The plant is only 6-9 cm tall, each spindle-shaped pseudobulb of 3-4 cm carrying a single thick, rigid leaf with a red midrib. The flowers are brilliant scarlet, 4-6 cm across, with yellow lines only on the lip; they are long-lasting and unscented. Scarlet is rare among Cattleya relatives, and many hybrids once named Sophrocattleya and similar are derived from it. In Japan young plants are sold by specialist nurseries that carry Cattleya species.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Scarlet Cattleya
The Scarlet Cattleya grows to Plant 6-9 cm tall; pseudobulbs 3-4 cm; flowers 4-6 cm across.
Temperature & humidity for the Scarlet Cattleya
Its habitat averages about 27 °C in summer and about 7 °C in winter, and it likes cool, airy conditions.
Basic Info
Origin
Atlantic Forest of SE Brazil and Misiones, Argentina (650-1,670 m)
Lifespan
Perennial (little data on lifespan)
Size
Plant 6-9 cm tall; pseudobulbs 3-4 cm; flowers 4-6 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer year round
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It likes bright light; give good light while avoiding harsh direct sun.
Watering
From cloud forest, it needs moist conditions; do not let the medium dry out completely.
Temperature & Overwintering
Its habitat averages about 27 °C in summer and 7 °C in winter. It prefers cool conditions and dislikes summer heat and stagnant air, so keep it cool and airy in summer.
Soil & Repotting
A miniature that grows on mossy branches; pot it small in sphagnum or mount it.
Fertilizer
Feed dilute liquid fertilizer regularly all year.
Pests & Cautions
Poor air movement weakens the plant; avoid stagnant, humid heat and keep air moving.
Scarlet Cattleya FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Scarlet Cattleya?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow large does Scarlet Cattleya get?
The mature size of Scarlet Cattleya is Plant 6-9 cm tall; pseudobulbs 3-4 cm; flowers 4-6 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Scarlet Cattleya?
Scarlet Cattleya: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer year round. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Scarlet Cattleya?
The price of Scarlet 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 coccinea Lindl.
Synonyms: Cattleya coccinea var. rossiteriana (Barb.Rodr.) Van den Berg, Cattleya coccinea var. rossiteriana (Barb.Rodr.) VanDenBerg, Cattleya grandiflora (Lindl.) Beer, Hadrolaelia coccinea (Lindl.) Chiron & V.P.Castro, Hydrolaelia coccinea (Lindl.) Chiron & V.P.Castro, Sophronia coccinea (Lindl.) Kuntze
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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