The secret to growing cattleya dowiana
Christian St-PierreAn unforgettable encounter in Rome 🌸
Ah, cattleyas! These tropical queens, with their vibrant colors and enchanting fragrance, never cease to amaze me. One day, during a trip to the Vatican, I had the chance to visit the Botanical Garden of Rome.
This splendid garden in Trastevere, on the slopes of the Janiculum, hosted the Ortidea edition, celebrating the immense and varied Italian horticultural heritage.
The Botanical Garden of Rome, with its 12 hectares, featured an impressive collection of colorful orchids, tillandsias, bromeliads, and kokedamas.
I was surrounded by the most beautiful and precious orchids from the botanical gardens of Naples and Florence, as well as treasures from three of the most prestigious Italian associations in the field, such as AIO, AOCI, and ALO. That year, the Dendrobium & Fuukiran Association, specializing in Japanese orchids, was also present.
It was there that I discovered the majestic Cattleya Dowiana. The eyes of a passionate horticulturist lit up as he described this spectacular orchid, and I could almost smell its fragrance just by listening to his stories. An unforgettable memory, and an orchid that immediately captivated me. 🌿✨
A majestic orchid 🌟
Native to the humid forests of Costa Rica and Panama, the Cattleya Dowiana is a royal orchid known for its brilliant flowers. Discovered in the 19th century, this orchid is often considered one of the most beautiful Cattleya species due to its vibrant colors and enchanting fragrance. It was named in honor of the Englishman John Dow, a passionate orchid collector who introduced this species to Europe.
Imagine an orchid with bright yellow flowers and deep purple lips. The Cattleya Dowiana is not only beautiful but also a true spectacle of nature. Its large flowers catch every eye, and its intoxicating fragrance adds to its mystical charm.
| Details of the Cattleya Dowiana |
|
| Common names |
|
|
Appearance |
|
|
Growing conditions |
|
The Cattleya Dowiana, with its brilliant flowers and enchanting fragrance, is truly a jewel of nature. Growing this orchid requires patience and dedication, but the reward is worth every effort.
I dream of returning to Rome for this exceptional exhibition and regret not being able to bring this orchid home due to complications with permits. Every flower has its story, and the story of the Cattleya Dowiana is truly fascinating. 🌸✨
