Habitat and Ecology
 
​Cattleya iricolor is a striking, medium-sized pseudobulbous epiphyte native to the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is primarily found growing on trees in tropical moist and wet forests, typically at elevations between 500 and 1,500 metres. This orchid is adapted to a hot-to-warm growing regime with high humidity and bright, filtered light.
 
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
 
​Commonly known as the Rainbow-Lipped Cattleya (iricolor refers to its iridescent or rainbow colours), this is a compact, unifoliate (single-leafed) perennial.
 
​Pseudobulbs & Foliage: It produces slender, cylindrical or cigar-shaped pseudobulbs (up to 25 cm tall). Each pseudobulb is topped by a single, leathery, oblong leaf.
 
​Flowers (Morphology): The plant produces a terminal inflorescence from a sheath, typically bearing 2 to 5 fragrant flowers that span 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) across. Blooms typically appear in late winter to early spring.
 
​Aesthetics: The flowers are typically pale yellow or greenish-yellow. The defining feature is the lip (labellum), which is large, frilly, and highly ornamented with intense radial striping or veining in pink, rose, purple, and red over a yellow background.
 
This dramatic colouration gives it its common name.
 
​💧 Cultivation and Care
 
​Cattleya iricolor is a warm-to-intermediate growing orchid that requires bright light and a distinct seasonal cycle to bloom successfully.
 
​Light: Needs very bright, diffused light (similar to a standard Cattleya hybrid). Situate it in a position that receives morning or late afternoon sun, but shield it from harsh midday sun.
 
​Substrate: Use a coarse, open, and fast-draining epiphytic mix of orchid bark, charcoal, and perlite. Grow in a pot that allows for quick drying.
 
​Watering: Water liberally during active growth (spring/summer), allowing the medium to dry almost completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter during its rest period.
 
​Temperature:
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 21-27 C (70-81 F).
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A small, consistent drop is beneficial for bud setting, ideally 14-18 C (57-64 F).
 
​Humidity: High humidity (60-80%+) and excellent air circulation are necessary.
 
​✨ Unique Features
 
​This orchid is a must-have for the Cattleya collector due to its exquisite, vibrant floral striping and the resulting iridescent 'rainbow' effect on the lip. The contrast between the pale yellow petals and the intensely patterned lip makes it a spectacular, fragrant focus piece in any warm growing collection.
 
​🏷️ Specifications
 
​Plant Size: Flowering sized plants that are divisions, have previously flowered.
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Cattleya iricolor B 140084 C GB