AboutOrchids

Cattleyas are orchid royalty. For generations, their brilliant colors, exotic shapes, and rich perfumes have made them prime choices as elegant corsages. These photos of Cattleya species and hybrids illustrate only a few from thousands of varieties. Orchid growers often refer to them as “Catts,” and say “Cattleya care” to encapsulate their growing needs:  bright light, daytime warmth, and water once a week.

Native to Central and South America, members of the Cattleya family live in full sun on treetops and forest borders. Exposed to strong light and winds, they dry quickly after rains. Cattleyas in cultivation need to dry out between waterings. During spring and summer, they enjoy a thorough soaking once a week, but during winter dormancy, they may only want water once or twice a month. Even these low water orchids need good humidity at all times. Most types prefer temps of 70° – 85°F (21° – 29°C) during the day, dropping down to 60° – 65°F (16° – 18°C) at night. Other kinds prefer cooler temps, like this related Laelia species. For all types, fertilize weakly, weekly.

One of the toughest challenges for Cattleya growers is providing enough light for blooms. Leaves should be a medium green color; if they’re dark green or seem floppy, they are probably not receiving enough light. Artificial light at night can disrupt Cattleya flowering schedules, so keep them away from lamps after sunset. Ethylene gas from ripening fruit or smoke can stop Cattleyas from blooming, so keep their air moving. Repot every 2 – 3 years using coarse bark.

Many Cattleyas are large plants, but there are lots of mini varieties, too. Cattleya relatives, like Brassavolas and Laelias, share similar growing conditions, and have been crossbred with Cattleyas for over a century. Complex hybrids like Potinara and Iwanagara add more variety to the growing family. New crosses constantly extend this regal orchid line.

Explore posts in the same categories: Dormancy, Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Intermediate Growers, Photos, Watering

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 5th, 2012 at 10:13 pm and is filed under Dormancy, Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Intermediate Growers, Photos, Watering.

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