Cattleya warscewiczii: Info and Location

C. warscewiczii is probably the best known of all Colombian Cattleya species. It is also the largest Colombian Cattleya. Flowers can measure up to 25 cm and may have spikes that can have 8 flowers.

Like most other Cattleyas, there are very distinct populations.

C. warcsewiczii has three of such populations:

1. Along the San Juan River in the states of Risaralda, Caldas and Antioquia.

Southern central spot on the map.

This population is well defined and has the smallest flowers of all. However, it is the population that flowers the most profusely of all making it a true show when it is in bloom. The flowers are not well presented and each spike has only three or four flowers. It is the whole flowering that makes it spectacular.

Blooming takes place in a small "window" of about two weeks in late March early April during the Easter period, and it is used in villages to decorate the altars of the churches.

It requires good light, warmth and air for adequate growth. Amazingly, despite its large numbers in the region where it grows, no color variations have been found. One can wonder if this is the reason why it is so well preserved in its original habitat.

2. In the Frontino region and north to the Valley of the Sinú River.

Northwestern region on the map.

This region is the origin of most warcsewicziis found outside Colombia. Not because its flowers are larger than those of the plants found in the San Juan river (Region 1) but simply because most color variations come from that region. It is the origin region of plants like "Cañas Gordas", "Celeste", "Dabeiba", "Bedford", "Katia" and many others that are well known in the orchid world.

Plants usually bear three or four flowers that are well separated from each other on the spike. The shape of the flowers is also better than in the other varieties. Blooming takes place a little later than the variety San Juan and is spread over a longer period up to late April Early May.

It can be found in the lower elevations growing with C. aurea and can breed with it to form C. hardyana.

3. Along the Magdalena River.

Northeastern region on map.

This variety is also call gigas this name was used at some point in time as the name for C. warcsewiczii and is still used. The true and old name for this variety is "Sanderana" because it was described by Sander; although the name gigas fits better to this variant.

It is found along the Magdalena river for about 60 km and along smaller rivers on the same area. This area is still very wild and difficult to access. This region can be very hot and dry during the months of December and January. This hot and dry period is necessary to induce flowering, which takes place mostly in March.

Plants are very large and massive. This is also reflected on the flowers which can be very large, ranging from 18 cm to an impressive 25 cm. Each spike can eventually have up to eight flowers making this variety very attractive.

Leaves are rounder than on the other varieties, although this character may be lost when the plants do not receive enough light.

Not many color variations are found in this region, although plants like "Leo Holguin", "Mama Polita" and "Firmin Lambeau" originated from this region.

As final consideration, color variations in C. warcsewiczii are still rare, even after some offspring from selected clones has started to bloom. And as a general rule, the plants require a dry hot period three to four months before flowering.

Orquideas Sua Mena, [Cattleya Warscewiczii-Information and Location]