Cattleya Walkeriana

Cattleya walkeriana is a compact epiphytic orchid native to the cerrado savanna and rocky hillsides of central Brazil. Plants reach 10–20 cm with small pseudobulbs bearing one or two leathery leaves. The round-petalled flowers, 5–8 cm across, range from bright pink to rose-purple, produced one to two per stem. The species is especially prized for its intensely sweet, vanilla-like fragrance. Flowering occurs mainly December to March. Cultivation requires bright indirect light, a pronounced dry rest in autumn to stimulate flowering, and a minimum temperature of 15°C. A free-draining bark or pumice medium is recommended. Its compact habit, beautiful rounded blooms, and exceptional fragrance make it one of the most sought-after Cattleya species among collectors.

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