Source: Wikimedia Commons
Christmas Cattleya
IntermediateCattleya percivaliana
A large-flowered species Cattleya from rocky highlands of Venezuela and Colombia. It bears one leaf per pseudobulb and a richly coloured purple-red lip, is also called the Christmas Cattleya, and varies widely in colour.
About
Cattleya percivaliana is an epiphytic orchid first described as a variety of C. labiata. It grows in Venezuela and Colombia at 1,300-2,000 m in sunny spots near rivers, mostly on rocks and sometimes on trees. Its club-shaped, somewhat flattened pseudobulbs each bear a single rigid leaf. The flowers reach about 12.5 cm across, two to four to a stem, with a rather musky scent. In English it is sometimes called a "Christmas orchid", a name it shares with other orchids such as C. trianae. Flower colour is very variable: white alba, semi-alba with white petals and a coloured lip, and strongly yellow-toned forms are recognised, and names such as var. alba and var. bicolor survive as synonyms in GBIF. In Japan, specialist orchid nurseries sell named clones with show awards; remember that flowers differ from plant to plant even under the same species name. It likes bright light and plenty of water while growing, with less after flowering and in winter.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Christmas Cattleya
The Christmas Cattleya grows to Flowers up to 12.5 cm across; flower stem up to 25 cm.
Basic Info
Origin
Venezuela and Colombia (1,300-2,000 m, rocks near rivers)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Flowers up to 12.5 cm across; flower stem up to 25 cm
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It grows on sunny rocks in the wild and likes bright light; shade only from midsummer sun.
Watering
Water thoroughly after the medium dries while growing; water less after flowering and through winter.
Temperature & Overwintering
From highlands, it prefers fairly cool conditions; bring it indoors for winter and keep it from the cold.
Soil & Repotting
Pot in bark or sphagnum in a pot that keeps roots snug, and repot as new growth starts.
Fertilizer
Give dilute liquid fertilizer while growing and stop in winter.
Christmas Cattleya FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Christmas 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 Christmas Cattleya get?
The mature size of Christmas Cattleya is Flowers up to 12.5 cm across; flower stem up to 25 cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Christmas Cattleya?
Christmas Cattleya: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Christmas Cattleya?
The price of Christmas 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 percivaliana (Rchb.f.) O'Brien
Synonyms: Cattleya labiata var. percivaliana Rchb.f., Cattleya percivaliana f. alba (R.Warner & B.S.Williams) M.Wolff & O.Gruss, Cattleya percivaliana f. bicolor (Rolfe) M.Wolff & O.Gruss, Cattleya percivaliana var. alba R.Warner & B.S.Williams, Cattleya percivaliana var. bicolor Rolfe, Cattleya percivaliana var. grandiflora Cogn. & A.Gooss.
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
Related Articles
Complete Guide to Growing Cattleyas | Complete Management to Bloom the Queen of Orchids
A complete guide to growing Cattleyas, the queen of orchids. Learn seasonal watering and fertilizing schedules, light requirements and temperature differential management for blooming, sheath handling, pseudobulb health management, and timing for division.
How to Grow Cattleya and Tips for Blooming | Light, Temperature, and Watering Management
Guide to growing Cattleya, the "Queen of Orchids." Summarizes key management points for blooming, including light intensity, temperature, watering, and repotting.
Coelogyne Genus Seasonal Care Guide | Withholding Water in the Dry Season and Tips for Regulating the Bloom Cycle
A seasonal guide to Coelogyne, a type of epiphytic orchid, from watering during the growing season to dry-season drought management and tips for regulating the bloom cycle.
Post-Bloom Care: The Annual Cycle from New Growth to Flower Formation
Learn the annual care cycle for orchids from the end of flowering to the next bloom. This guide covers post-flower care including flower stem cutting methods, signs to observe during new shoot development, summer growth period considerations, requirements for flower bud formation, and finishing care from bud emergence through blooming.
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.