Identifying and Caring for a Cattleya Alliance Orchid

What Type of Orchid Is This?

Based on the photo, your orchid appears to be a member of the Cattleya alliance. These orchids have pseudobulbs (thickened stem bases) from which thick, leathery leaves emerge—typically one or two per pseudobulb.

Genera in the Cattleya Alliance

The alliance includes Cattleya, Laelia, Sophronitis, and many others. They readily cross to create intergeneric hybrids, which is likely what you have. A similar-looking hybrid is Iwanagara 'Apple Blossom', though many hybrids share this appearance.

Care Guidelines

• Light: High light, but avoid direct sun that can burn leaves. Leaves should be yellow-green, not dark green.
• Water: Grow fairly dry. Water and feed more heavily when new growth emerges at the base.
• Bloom cycle: Typically 1-2 new growths per year, flowering upon maturation or several months after.

Repotting Tip

Use a coarse, fir bark-based orchid mix with good drainage. Repot after flowering when new roots begin to grow.