Cattleya rex '#2' | NBS | 4" pot

Cattleya rex is universally known as the "King of the Cattleyas," a legendary and breathtaking species native to the high-elevation forests of Peru. Highly prized by species purists for its aristocratic elegance, it stands out as one of the most visually striking and distinct unifoliate (single-leaf) Cattleyas in cultivation.

The large, show-stopping blooms feature a spectacular contrast of colors. The elegant, narrow petals and sepals open in a pristine, luminous white to soft cream color. This clean backdrop sets the stage for a truly magnificent lip that looks like a hand-painted masterpiece: a beautifully ruffled midlobe flushed with rich, velvety crimson-magenta, intricately veined with radiating lines of bright canary-yellow and gold running deep into the throat.

Cultivation & Growth Profile

• Growth Habit: A tidy, medium-sized unifoliate grower with slender, upright pseudobulbs topped with a single, stiff, emerald-green leaf.

• Bloom Season: Typically rewards growers with a spectacular mid-summer display. Buds develop quickly inside a large green sheath on newly matured growths.

• Fragrance: Exceptional and sweet. The flowers release an intense, highly sophisticated floral perfume with distinct hints of fresh citrus and vanilla that peaks during the morning and midday warmth.

• Culture Preferences: Cattleya rex prefers intermediate to warm conditions and loves bright, filtered light with excellent air circulation. Unlike some of its lowland relatives, its roots are highly sensitive to stagnant moisture or stale media. It thrives best when grown in an open, fast-draining potting medium—such as coarse bark, charcoal, or tree fern fibers—ideally in clay pots or slatted baskets that allow the root zone to dry down rapidly after watering.

For the serious connoisseur or collector looking to showcase an elite, historically significant species with regal coloration and a powerful fragrance, Cattleya rex is the ultimate trophy plant for the bench.

ATTENTION:

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While we take great care in our packaging and shipping plants sometimes do get damaged in shipping. We do our best to protect all plants but cannot guarantee that no damage will occur. As these are live plants, please open your order quickly after receiving it. We suggest an anti-fungal treatment after unpacking your plants, such as Physan or other over-the-counter treatments. Please adhere to all manufacturer guidelines and dosages. Follow that with 1-2 days of drying before the first watering.

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