Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cattleya Maxima
IntermediateCattleya maxima
A large Cattleya from Ecuador-Peru with lavender blooms and beautifully frilled lips.
About
Cattleya maxima, the Large Cattleya, is an epiphytic orchid native to Pacific coastal mountain forests in Ecuador and Peru. Plants grow 30–60 cm with single-leafed pseudobulbs and produce five to fifteen flowers per stem, each 10–14 cm across. The flowers display pale lavender to white petals and a deeply fringed lip in vivid lavender to purple with radiating purple veins—among the most ornate lips in the genus. A sweet fragrance accompanies blooms from autumn to winter (October–February).
Lifespan of the Cattleya Maxima
The Cattleya Maxima lives 10+ years.
Size of the Cattleya Maxima
The Cattleya Maxima grows to 30-60cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Cattleya Maxima
The ideal temperature for the Cattleya Maxima is 13〜28℃.
Cultivation requires bright indirect light, temperatures of 12–28°C, a free-draining bark or pumice medium, and a dry rest in summer–autumn to encourage flowering.
Basic Info
Origin
Ecuador and Peru, Pacific coastal mountains
Lifespan
10+ years
Size
30-60cm
Temperature
13〜28℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Bright indirect light suits it. Avoid direct sun, but place it somewhere bright enough that light reaches the whole of this large plant.
Watering
Water during the growing season to build the plant. Drier care from summer to autumn encourages flower bud formation.
Temperature & Overwintering
The ideal range is 13-28°C. Keep it in a warm room over winter and protect it from cold.
Soil & Repotting
Pot in bark and pumice for good drainage. It grows large, so repot once the roots no longer fit the pot.
Fertilizer
Feed during the growing season to build a plant able to carry its many-flowered spikes. Ease off while it is kept dry from summer to autumn.
Cattleya Maxima FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Cattleya Maxima?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Cattleya Maxima?
The ideal temperature for Cattleya Maxima is 13〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Cattleya Maxima?
The average lifespan of Cattleya Maxima is 10+ years. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Cattleya Maxima get?
The mature size of Cattleya Maxima is 30-60cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QWhat is the typical price for Cattleya Maxima?
The price of Cattleya Maxima varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 17, 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 maxima Lindl.
Synonyms: Cattleya maxima subvar. alba, Epidendrum maximum, Cattleya maxima var. aphlebia, Cattleya malouana, Cattleya maxima var. marchettiana, Cattleya maxima f. aphlebia, Cattleya maxima var. hrubyana, Cattleya maxima var. backhousii
Authority databases: GBIF · POWO · RHS orchid hybrid registration (International Orchid Register) · AOS (American Orchid Society)
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The family Orchidaceae is listed entirely in CITES Appendix II (except for the genera Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium and certain species, which are in Appendix I). Cultivars and hybrids are subject to family-level regulation; however, artificially propagated specimens may benefit from simplified trading procedures under the Appendices.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Orchidaceae spp. = Appendix II) / CITES Appendix I Orchid Checklist (Kew/UNEP-WCMC 2019)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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