Cattleya orchid is a species of plant native to Brazil. Gardener William Cattley is associated with this plant’s name for receiving a shipment of this beautiful flower in London in a withered state and nurturing it back to health.
Source:
Cattleya orchid care
Cattleya orchids are not difficult to care for. They can be grown indoors, but they can also live outside year-round in tropical climates and during the warmer months in areas that experience frost.
The key to growing them successfully is to provide the right amount of light, maintain the right temperature and humidity, and water and feed them adequately. Orchids usually don’t have any serious pest problems if their growing conditions are right.
Light
These orchids need bright indirect light for optimal growth. When grown as a houseplant, an east- or west-facing window that lets in plenty of light is ideal. However, any harsh midday sun shining through the windows should be diffused with blinds. Similarly, phalaenopsis orchids like morning sun, but should avoid hot midday sun. Cattleya orchids that don’t get enough light will have darker-than-normal foliage and they usually don’t flower. Orchid foliage that regularly receives too much light will turn yellow or even scorch brown or black in some areas.
Soil
Cattleya orchids will thrive in an orchid-specific planting mix. This typically includes fir or sequoia bark and likely perlite, horticultural charcoal, coconut shell shavings, fern fiber, clay pellets, gravel, and more. When grown outdoors, Cattleya orchids can be plate mounted, a technique in which the orchid is manually attached to the host plant. To attach the orchid, wrap the roots in moss; tie a tree rope on top of a rack (made of organic material, such as driftwood or cork bark); and attach it to a twig, trunk or log.
Drinking water
These orchids require moderate humidity. Water whenever the medium is quite dry; Usually weekly watering is enough. Do not let the orchid sit in the always wet potting medium because it can cause root rot. At each watering, water deeply so that the water sprays all over the foliage and flows through the drainage holes of the container. Many growers like to put orchid pots in the tub to do this. It is best to water in the morning to give the foliage time to dry in the light. Otherwise, prolonged wetness can cause mold and other diseases.
Temperature and humidity
Cattleya orchids prefer daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees F and night temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees F. Colder temperatures and frost can kill plants. Orchids can tolerate temperatures up to about 95 degrees Fahrenheit, although it is important that they have good air circulation and high humidity in such temperatures. In general, they prefer around 40% to 70% humidity. Many growers increase the humidity around their plants by placing the orchid container on a tray filled with gravel and water. The foliage can also be misted in the morning. Some orchid growers also place a humidifier in the room. Plus, these orchids are great for growing in greenhouses.
Fertilizer
Some orchids have been known to be able to grow and even bloom for years without fertilizing. But minimal but consistent feeding will provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive. You should use a balanced fertilizer for orchids at a weekly dose of a quarter at each watering. Too much fertilizer can cause the plant to focus on foliage growth and produce stems that won’t flower. Excess fertilizer can also damage the roots of the orchid.
Potting and repotting Cattleya Orchids
These plants don’t like disturbed roots, so repot only when necessary. Once the roots have grown over the edge of the pot and/or the potting medium has decomposed (resulting in poor drainage), it’s time to repot. Choose a slightly larger container with adequate drainage holes. Then, carefully loosen the roots from the old container and shake off as much of the decomposed potting medium as possible.