Cattleya

Cattleya –  This group includes standard Cattleyas, mini-Cattleyas, and their hybrids – Brassavolas, Laelias, Epidendrums, Sophronitis, etc. This is our favorite group of orchids because of the wide range of colors, fragrances and bloom sizes. There are cattleyas for every season and many bloom several times per year.

Light: Provide bright, filtered sunlight. Morning sun is best. A bright south or east exposure is good. During the warm season, a screened patio or the shade of a tree is desirable.

Temperature: Nights above 50* F. Days below 100* F are tolerable with increased water, shading and good air circulation.

Water: Water thoroughly and allow to dry between watering.

Fertilizer: Fertilize during the warmer months with any good orchid fertilizer. Follow the rule “Weekly – weakly” each week with a 1/4 strength solution. The key is to fertilize on a regular basis. You may wish to supplement with a time release fertilizer (Nutricote, sold as Dynamite at Home Depot works well).

Potting: Repot when the plant has outgrown the pot or when the media breaks down, typically every two years.  Do not over pot – leave enough room for just two years growth from the newest pseudo bulb.  The best time to repot is when the plant is putting out new roots. Cattleyas do well in plastic or clay pots, as well as in baskets depending on your watering habits.