Habitat and Ecology
​Cattleya gaskelliana, commonly known as Gaskell's Cattleya, is a classic, large-flowered pseudobulbous epiphyte native to Northern Venezuela and Trinidad. It grows on trees and rocks in the Eastern Coastal Mountain Range (Cordillera de la Costa) at elevations between 700 and 1,500 metres. Its native habitats vary from humid tropical cloud forests to somewhat drier, rocky slopes where it is exposed to significant sun. The plant's pseudobulbs are vital storage organs, helping it endure the slightly drier conditions of its habitat.
​Description
​This medium-sized orchid has a unifoliate habit, meaning each of its thick, cigar-shaped pseudobulbs (up to 25 cm long) bears a single, leathery leaf. The inflorescence emerges from a sheath at the top of the newly matured growth, typically bearing 2 to 5 large, fragrant flowers that span 12-17 cm (5-7 inches) across. The flowers are generally a delicate pale lilac or light lavender, often with frilled or ruffled margins on the petals. The lip (labellum) is highly striking, featuring a deeper amethyst-purple blotch or saddle-shape on the front lobe, contrasting with a vibrant orange-yellow throat. This species is highly variable, with prized clones in pure white (alba) and semi-alba forms.
​Cultivation
​Cattleya gaskelliana is an intermediate to warm-growing orchid that requires high light to bloom profusely in the UK. Provide bright, filtered light (such as an East or West-facing window, or under shade-cloth in a conservatory). Insufficient light is the main cause of non-flowering. Use a coarse, very free-draining epiphytic mix, such as bark chips and charcoal, avoiding over-potting. It has an active growth phase from early spring, with the flowers appearing as the new growth matures in late spring/early summer. High humidity (60-80%) and excellent air circulation are necessary.
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84°F)
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A cooling period is required for bud initiation, ideally 14-16 °C (58-61 °F).
​Water liberally when actively growing, ensuring the medium dries out almost completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter during its rest period. Feed weekly during active growth with a balanced liquid orchid feed.
​Unique Features
​Historically, Cattleya gaskelliana gained immense popularity as it was the only large-flowered Cattleya species reliably blooming in the late spring/early summer period (May to July), filling a gap in the orchid calendar. Its frilly, lavender petals and the vibrant, contrastingly coloured lip make it a timeless classic and a highly desirable plant for hybridists seeking to introduce large size and a reliable bloom time into their crosses. Due to historical over-collection, high-quality clones are now prized in cultivation.
​Specifications
​Plant Size: near flowering-sized plants growing in pots. 
​Plant Family: Orchidaceae
​Plant Passport: A Cattleya gaskelliana B 140084 C [user input] D GB