Cattleya

KAT-lee-ah

The Corsage Orchid

Cattleyas are among the most commonly grown orchids, and their culture is other cultivated orchids, cattleyas are epiphytes, or air plants. They have well developed water storage organs (called pseudobulbs) and large, fleshy roots.

Light

Sufficient light is important for healthy growth and flower production. Provide bright light, some sun. In the home an east, west or lightly shaded south window. In a greenhouse, about 20 to 50 percent full sun. Plants should be of a medium olive-green color. Dark green, limp foliage indicates too little light.

Water

Mature plants must dry out between waterings. Seedlings need more constant moisture.

Temperature

Provide nights of 55 to 60 degrees fahrenheit; days of 79 to 85 fahrenheit. Cattleyas can tolerate temperatures up to 95 to 100 fahrenheit if shading, humidity and air circulation are increased.

Humidity

Cattleyas like 50 to 60 percent. In the home, place on trays over moistened pebbles, or set a bowl of water next to your plants

Fertilizer

Should be provided on a regular basis. A good general rule is to apply a balanced (such as 20-20-20) water soluble fertilizer “weekly.” That is, fertilize every week at one half of the recommended dilution.

Potting

Should be done every two to three years before mix loses consistency (breaks down). Pot firmly in a porous medium grade mix, giving aeration and ample drainage, allowing enough room for two years’ growth.