This quadrigeneric hybrid genus of evergreen orchids derived from crosses between Brassavola, Catteya, Laelia, and Soprontis. They are vegetatively similar to the four parent genera, which are loosely referred to as “cattleyas”, and have thick to slender pseudobulbs and 1 or 2 mostly broadly oblong, semi rigid, leathery leaves. The short racemes of flowers, with usually strong and clear colors, often yellow or red, are borne at the bases of the leaves, with or without sheaths.

Intermediate growing orchids (see chart below). Grow in pots of epiphytic orchid potting mix made with coarse bark. When in growth, provide high humidity and bright filtered light, water freely, and feed at every third watering.. In winter, admit full light and water sparingly.

Prone to scale insects, spider mites, aphids, and mealy bugs.

There are about 6 species of evergreen epiphytic orchids, with out pseudobulbs, in this genus. They occur from high level forest of Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil at altitudes of 6,600′ feet high. They have oblong-lance shaped leaves and bear solitary, rounded, fleshy flowers, from small sheathing bracts at the pendent, triangular node of the inflorescences.

Intermediate growing orchids (see chart below). Grow in epiphytic orchid potting mix in partial shade and high humidity. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3 weeks when in growth, water sparingly in winter. Divide when plant fills the pot.

There is a single species of an epiphytic orchid, closely related to Vanda, in this genus. It occurs in the Philippines. It is grown for its vibrant flowers, which when given the right conditions will appear more or less continuously. It is one of the most spectacular orchids and has been used as a parent for numerous hybrids. It is now rare to collecting, but is available as plants raised from seed and improved by line breeding.

Frost tender, this a beautiful orchid for the greenhouse or tropical garden, It requires high humidity, plenty of light and the temperature must not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Grow in an open mixture of large pieces of bark, charcoal and other material.(see chart below)

There are about 200 species of deciduous, mainly terrestrial orchids, in this genus. They occur from grassland and forest from sea level to almost 6,000′ feet high throughout the tropics, especially in Africa. They have pseudobulbs, tuber like corms, or fleshy roots, and produce usually 2, sometimes several, lance shaped to linear, folded or leathery leaves.   Flowers are borne in upright racemes or, rarely panicles.

Intermediate or warm growing orchids (see intro.). Grow in containers of terrestrial orchid potting mix. In summer, water freely, applying fertilizer at every third watering and provide high humidity and bright filtered light. Admit full light and keep dry during winter.

Prone to leaf spots, cymbidium mosaic virus, spider mites, aphids, white flies, and mealy bugs.

There are about 50 species of deciduous, mainly epiphytic orchids, in this genus. They occur from central and South America, found from sea level to altitudes of 6,000′ feet high. These orchids have thick, fleshy, ovoid to spindle shaped pseudobulbs producing several alternately ranked, soft textured, elliptic-lance shaped to inversely lance shaped, mid green leaves. Lateral, erect or pendent racemes of male and female flowers are usually borne on separate inflorescences from summer to autumn, but flowers of both sexes are occasionally found on the same inflorescence.

Intermediate-growing orchids (see chart below). Grow in epiphytic orchid potting mix in containers of slatted baskets. During summer, provide bright filtered light and high humidity, with good ve4ntilation. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at every third watering. In winter remove shading and keep almost completely dry. Do not spry. Divide when overflows containers.

Prone to spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, fungal leaf spots, bacterial leaf spots, bulb rot, and viral diseases.

There are about 6 species of evergreen, epiphytic orchids, in this genus. They occur at high altitudes in the Andes of Ecuador and Peru. One or two linear, dark green leaves, to 8″ long, are borne at the tip of each ovoid to conical pseudobulb. From late spring to summer, usually large, scarlet or bright pink flowers are borne in tall or short, arching racemes arising from the base of the psuedobulb.

Cool-growing orchids (see chart below). Grow in epiphytic orchid potting mix in pots or slatted baskets. In summer, provide humid conditions with bright filtered light, and good ventilation. Water freely, applying fertilizer at every third watering, and mist once or twice a day. In winter, admit full light and water sparingly. Divide when plant fills containers.

Prone to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.

There are about 45 species of deciduous, epiphytic or terrestrial orchids in this genus. They occur in cloud forest at altitude of 2,000-7,700′ feet high from Mexico to Peru and the West Indies. They produce robust, ovoid or ellipsoid, compressed pseudobulbs, and number of broad, lance shaped to oblong-elliptic, often soft, folded, light green leaves. They bear large waxy, fragrant flowers, in a large range of colors are held singly or occasionally 2 together on leafless stem from the bases, more or less triangular in shape, with contrasting sepals framing the smaller, cupped petal and 3 lobed lips.

Cool to intermediate growing orchids (see chart below). Grow in containers of crushed bark or soilless potting mix, or grow epiphytically on bark slabs. In summer, provide high humidity and water freely, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at every third watering. In winter, provide bright filtered light and keep dry.

Prone to spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs.