Source: Wikimedia Commons
Purpurata Cattleya
IntermediateCattleya purpurata
A large-flowered Cattleya from southern Brazil whose deep purple-red lip stands out against white or pale pink petals. Long known as Laelia purpurata, it is sold as many named forms such as alba and carnea.
About
Cattleya purpurata is an epiphytic orchid long treated as Laelia purpurata or Sophronitis purpurata; nurseries still often label it Laelia, but it is the same species. It grows high in the canopy of tall trees in coastal forests of southern Brazil, in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo. Club-shaped pseudobulbs each bear one leathery leaf, and from late spring to autumn a stem about 30 cm long carries three to five large, long-lasting, fragrant flowers that can exceed 15 cm across. Many forms are recognised by the colour of the lip and petals, including white alba, carnea with white petals and a pink lip, werkhaeuserii with a bluish lip, and the richly coloured sanguinea, and plants are sold under these form names. It has been widely used as a parent in Cattleya breeding. It likes bright light and cool to warm conditions and is relatively easy for a species. In Japan, specialist orchid nurseries sell plants by form.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Purpurata Cattleya
The Purpurata Cattleya grows to Flower stem 30-37 cm; flowers 15-25 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Southern Brazil (coastal forests of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo)
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years by division (little data on lifespan)
Size
Flower stem 30-37 cm; flowers 15-25 cm across
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It likes bright light; shade from midsummer sun and give as much light as possible the rest of the year.
Watering
Water thoroughly after the medium dries while growing; in winter reduce watering and let it rest on the dry side.
Temperature & Overwintering
It prefers cool to warm conditions; bring it indoors for winter and keep it from the cold.
Soil & Repotting
Pot in bark or sphagnum in a pot that keeps the roots fairly snug; repot as new growth starts.
Dormancy Care
A drier winter rest improves flowering the following year.
Purpurata Cattleya FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Purpurata 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 Purpurata Cattleya get?
The mature size of Purpurata Cattleya is Flower stem 30-37 cm; flowers 15-25 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Purpurata Cattleya?
Purpurata Cattleya: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Purpurata Cattleya?
The price of Purpurata 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 purpurata (Lindl. & Paxton) Rollisson ex Lindl.
Synonyms: Amalia purpurea Heynh., Bletia casperiana (Rchb.f.) Rchb.f., Bletia purpurata (Lindl. & Paxton) Rchb.f., Bletia purpurata var. aurorea Rchb.f., Bletia purpurata var. pallida Rchb.f., Brasilaelia purpurata (Lindl. & Paxton) Campacci
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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