Habitat:
Cattleya mossiae is native to Venezuela, where it occurs in montane forests and cloud forests at elevations between 800 and 1500 metres. It grows epiphytically on tree branches in areas with pronounced seasonal rainfall, high humidity, and good light exposure. These forests are often partially deciduous, and the orchids receive abundant filtered light during the dry season when host trees shed their leaves. The species is especially common in the Cordillera de la Costa and adjacent Andean foothills.
 
Description:
Cattleya mossiae is a large epiphytic orchid with thick, clumping rhizomes and elongated pseudobulbs that can reach up to 35 cm in height. Each pseudobulb bears a single leathery, oblong to elliptic leaf, typically 20–30 cm long and up to 8 cm wide. The inflorescence is terminal, arising from a protective sheath, and bears up to five large, showy flowers. Flowers are 15–20 cm across, strongly fragrant, and typically lavender-pink with a contrasting yellow or orange throat marked by deep magenta veining. The lip is large and ruffled, helping to distinguish it from related species such as Cattleya trianae. Flowering generally occurs in spring, coinciding with the end of the dry season. C. mossiae is the national flower of Venezuela.
 
Cultivation:
Cattleya mossiae prefers intermediate to warm temperatures, with daytime temperatures of 22°C to 28°C and nighttime temperatures of 13°C to 16°C. It requires high humidity (65–80%) and good air movement. Provide bright, filtered light, approaching full sun conditions. Grow in a free-draining, slightly acidic medium (pH 5.5–6.5) such as coarse bark or mounted on cork. Allow the medium to dry slightly between waterings. Use rainwater or distilled water when possible. Fertilise every two weeks during the active growing season with a balanced orchid fertiliser, reducing frequency during dormancy in winter.
 
Specifications:
Plant Size: Flowering size, 4-6 pseudobulbs. Grown in pots with coarse bark.
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: Cattleya mossiae B 140084 C 14036 D GB