Rlc. Chian-Tzy Lass ‘Hosai’

Rlc. Chian-Tzy Lass ‘Hosai’ is a spectacular, large-flowered Cattleya hybrid that produces crisp, impressive blooms. The flowers are defined by their pristine white petals and sepals, which have a heavy, waxy texture. This clean white provides a dramatic backdrop for the complex, ruffled lip. The labellum is broad, featuring a bright yellow throat that bleeds into a stunning, deep magenta-purple solid patch that extends to the frilly edge. This plant is a strong grower with stout pseudobulbs, usually supporting one or two thick, leathery, dark green leaves. The fragrant flowers are long-lasting and are held high on a sturdy stem.

Quick Start

Light: Bright, filtered light (2500-4000 foot-candles). Avoid direct midday sun. Temps: Intermediate to warm. 60-70°F nights and 75-85°F days. Water: Water thoroughly when the media is completely dry. Requires a distinct dry-out period. Humidity: Prefers 50-70%. Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer regularly during active growth; reduce in winter. Media: Extremely coarse and open mix. Large-grade fir bark, lava rock, or charcoal.

🌺 Orchid Lore & Discovery

Rlc. Chian-Tzy Lass is a modern complex hybrid, registered in 2005. It is a cross between Rlc. Tzeng-Wen Lass and Rlc. Triumphal Coronation. This Taiwanese breeding line aims for large, exceptionally round flowers with vibrant, contrasting colors. The ‘Hosai’ cultivar is a select clone that represents the best traits of this lineage. Its ancestry includes many famous species, such as Cattleya dowiana (contributing the yellow in the lip), Cattleya labiata (influencing the purple lip and overall flower form), and Rhyncholaelia digbyana (responsible for the wide, fringed lip).

🌿 How to Grow Rlc. Chian-Tzy Lass ‘Hosai’

Light This hybrid needs bright, filtered light to flower well. An east-facing window offering morning sun or a shaded south-facing window is ideal. The leaves should be a medium, apple-green color. If the leaves are dark green, the plant is likely not receiving enough light to initiate blooming.

Temperature Rlc. Chian-Tzy Lass ‘Hosai’ thrives in intermediate to warm conditions, typical of many homes. Aim for daytime temperatures between 75-85°F and nighttime lows between 60-70°F. A 10-15°F drop in temperature at night is beneficial and helps signal the plant to set flower buds.

Water Proper watering is critical. This orchid is adapted to a wet/dry cycle. You must allow the potting media to dry out completely before watering again. When you do water, drench the pot thoroughly, letting water run out the bottom. In warm, bright conditions, this may be weekly; in cooler, darker months, it could be every two to three weeks.

Humidity & Airflow This plant appreciates humidity between 50% and 70%. In drier home environments, using a humidifier or a gravel tray filled with water can help. Good air movement is essential to prevent fungal or bacterial issues, especially in high humidity. A small fan can provide gentle, constant airflow.

Media & Potting A very open, coarse potting mix is required. These orchids have thick roots that demand excellent air circulation. Use large-grade fir bark, charcoal, or lava rock. Repotting should be done only when the media begins to break down (every 2-3 years) or when the plant outgrows its pot. The best time to repot is when new roots are just beginning to emerge from the base of the newest pseudobulb.

Currently available in blooming size only.