Dear Orchid Friends: .

Cattleyas are one of the most commonly grown orchids and are often called the "classic orchid". This genus was named after William Cattley, an English horticulturist who was successful in bringing these orchids to bloom outside of their native habitat.

Light: Cattleyas like strong, filtered light. Shade from midday sun is essential. Quality of light is important. An east or southeast exposure is ideal, but light from a western exposure works well also.

Cattleyas like medium to high light. Leaf color is a good indicator of proper amounts of light. Dark green leaves may indicated insufficient light. A yellow leaf is receiving too much sun exposure. Provide enough light to provide a light greenish color with firm leaves.

Water: Let mature plants dry out between waterings. Do not let the psuedobulbs become shrivelled. Humidity is important. Cattleyas like 50-80% humidity. Plastic pots retain more moisture while clay pots will require a little more water. It is important to check your plant before watering and remember to let the medium dry out between waterings. Cattleyas can tolerate short periods of drought and do best with a watering schedule that allows them to dry before watering. After flowering, increase the intervals between waterings during this resting phase ( a month or two) and it is best to refrain from fertilizing at this time.

Temperature: Cattleyas generally like temperatures 75-85 F range, but can tolerate higher temperatures with good air movement. This is considered temperatures intermediate to warm. Best night temperatures are 60-70F. Bring indoors if the temperatures are in the 40's F. Mist plants in the home or if temperatures remain elevated.

Fertilizer: Provide fertilizer on a regular basis. I like to use a 20-20-20 fertlizer and add an occasional bloom booster. Flush plants well every month to flush out fertilizer salts. Fertilize every two weeks when in active growth, otherwise fertilize at every fourth watering. After flowering, hold off on fertilizing for a month or two during this resting phase.

Potting: Cattleyas generally like to be potted in fir bark or a bark and lava rock mixture. The potting medium should promote good drainage. Good drainage is important in promoting healthy rooting and so that the medium does not decompose so quickly. Repot plants when the medium begins to break down or when new roots protrude over the edge of the pot. Select a pot that will allow for two years growth. Divide your plants in the spring if needed.

Blooms: Cattleyas typically bloom in spring through autumn, but it is variable. Usually blooms once a year.

As late spring and summer fast approach, remember the sun is much brighter. Take care to avoid over exposure to the sun as they can burn easily. I hope these growing tips will assist you in growing your beautiful orchids. There are differing opinions on growing orchids, but I've found these tips work well for me.

Until next time-

Vivi

Again, I'd like to welcome the American Orchid Society to the Web.

Review my April 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Orchids Galore!.
Review my March 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Cultivating Vanilla.
Review my February 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Cultivating an Interest in Orchids.
Review my January 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article on Phaelonopsis Culture.
Review my December 1995 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article on Dendrobium Culture.

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Last updated May 1, 1996

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