Sophrolaeliocattleya orchids

Sophrolaeliocattleya (abbreviated Slc.) is a three-parent intergeneric hybrid genus representing crosses of Sophronitis, Laelia, and Cattleya. The nothogenus was historically defined when Sophronitis was a separate genus of small high-elevation Brazilian orchids known for introducing strong red and orange colours into Cattleya-alliance breeding. Since Sophronitis was sunk into Cattleya in 2008, the RHS has re-assigned these grexes: most are now registered simply as Cattleya, or as Cattlianthe (Ctt.) where Guarianthe is in the background, or Rhyncattleanthe (Rth.) where Rhyncholaelia is too. Older tags and nursery catalogues still read Slc.; the plants are the same.

The breeding purpose of Slc. hybrids was to introduce the saturated reds of Sophronitis coccinea (now Cattleya coccinea) and its relatives into larger Cattleya flowers. Compact habit from the Sophronitis parent also produced the so-called "mini-Catt" lines that remain a staple of windowsill-scale Cattleya growing.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): as for Cattleya, typically with slightly cooler temperature preferences inherited from the Sophronitis parent. Bright light, intermediate temperatures, dry between waterings, 50 to 70 percent humidity. Medium to coarse bark.

Notable hybrids first registered under this name include Jewel Box 'Scheherazade' AM/AOS and Hazel Boyd (both now Cattlianthe), California Apricot, and Angel Love. Current listings sit under Cattleya and Cattlianthe as well as here. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.