Cattleya Walkeriana is rare in orchid collections, perhaps for the reason that it is rare everywhere; but it deserves a place in any good collection. It is, perhaps, one of the most distinct of the whole cattleya family. The pseudo-bulbs are short and thick, being only two inches long and more than an inch in diameter, resembling Broughtonia sanguinea, but not so flat as the latter ; each pseudo-bulb bears a solitary leaf,which is exactly of the shape and size of a hen's egg. The flowers, of a dark mauve, are usually produced in pairs from last year's pseudo-bulbs. The sepals and petals are about two inches long and an inch wide. The lip is darker than the other parts of the flower, which, is a pretty rosy-purple, and very nicely shaped. A prominent characteristic is the column, which is half an inch broad and fits closely to the lip: in fact, it lies on it. The rostellum is yellow, the only deviation from the colors of the other parts This being a very dwarf species, growing it in baskets is recommended ; lot then the plants may be suspended nearer the glass, and obtain more light, which is an important factor in the successful cultivation of orchids.

This species may be grown in the cattleya house with a mixture of peat fibre, sphagnum and charcoal, Is produces its flowers during the resting period ; that is, during October, November and December, when it requires no water whatever; but after growth has commenced, a moderate supply will be welcomed.