Cattleya Orchid Care
- Light. These orchids need bright indirect light for optimal growth. When grown as a houseplant, an east- or west-facing window that gets a lot of light is ideal.
- Soil. Cattleya orchids will thrive in a commercial growing mix made specifically for orchids. ...
- Water. These orchids require a moderate amount of moisture. Water whenever the growing medium is fairly dried out; typically a weekly watering is sufficient.
- Temperature and Humidity. Cattleya orchids prefer daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fertilizer. Some orchids have been known to grow and even bloom for years without fertilizer. But minimal yet consistent feeding will give your plant the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Do cattleya orchids need a sauna?
Cattleya orchids are tropical but do not need to be grown in a sauna. They like humidity ranging between 40 and 70%. There are a handful of simple ways to raise the humidity levels in the area where your plant is growing. For single plants or small groups, place a tray of water and pebbles or gravel near or beneath the plants.
How do you care for a Cattleya plant?
Cattleya grows by means of a branching, creeping rhizome with thick, clinging roots. Repotting is stressful, and a plant will usually take a season to recover, so only repot when necessary. They will do well in most orchid mixes, including pine bark, clay pellets, perlite, charcoal, or any well-draining medium.
How do you take care of an orchid plant?
These orchids require a moderate amount of moisture. Water whenever the growing medium is fairly dried out; typically a weekly watering is sufficient. Do not let the orchids sit in a consistently wet growing medium, which can cause root rot.
How do you plant cattleya orchids outside?
When grown outdoors cattleya orchids can be slab-mounted, a technique in which the orchid is manually attached to a tree host. To mount the orchid, wrap the roots in moss; wire the plant on top of a shelf (made of organic materials, such as driftwood or cork bark); and attach it to a branch, tree trunk, or log.
How do I get my Cattleya orchid to bloom indoors?
To grow well and to flower consistently, cattleyas require a good amount of light, preferably in the range from 2,000 to 3,000 foot-candles (about 65-70% shade), although they will tolerate a great deal more light if it is accompanied by sufficient humidity and air movement to keep the leaf-temperature down.
Can cattleyas be grown indoors?
They make lovely houseplants, 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 providing the right amount of light, maintaining the proper temperature and humidity, and watering and feeding adequately.
How often does a Cattleya orchid bloom?
Each year a Cattleya orchid will grow one or more new pseudobulbs from which the bloom for that season will come. A Cattleya will not bloom on old pseudobulbs yet those pseudobulbs will provide strength for the plant.
What is the best potting medium for cattleya orchids?
fir barkCattleya Orchid Potting Medium The best potting mix for your orchid is fir bark, but you can use a commercial growing mix made for orchids. The mix includes perlite, sequoia bark, coconut husk chips, tree fern fiber, gravel, horticultural charcoal, and more.
How often should I water my Cattleya?
once a weekCattleyas prefer to dry out between waterings, and should not be watered more than once a week. If the orchid's potting medium still seems damp, wait another day. Water more regularly when the orchid flowers or is about to flower. A clay pot will help pull water away from the roots and prevent fungus.
Do cattleya orchids like to be misted?
Orchids are adapted to rapidly absorb water via their roots when it is available. There is simply no need to mist orchids, as watering normally will result in the plant getting plenty of water.
When should I repot my Cattleya?
Generally, cattleyas need repotting about every 2 years or so. By letting the plant continue to grow out of the pot, when repotting it will be misshapen and will be difficult to repot into a new container.
What do you do after Cattleya blooms?
Where do I cut my Cattleya after it blooms?Locate the bud sheath. Have a look at the photo above. ... Look carefully! ... Find the spot where the bud sheath meets the stem. ... Position your cut as close as possible to the base of the leaf.Make the cut through the sheath and spike.Examine your plant for more old sheaths.
Does Cattleya need winter rest?
The orchid we discussed the other week, Cattleya labiata, flowers from September into November. After flowering, it requires a resting period where you cut back on the watering and fertilizer until it resumes growth in late winter. Increase watering and fertilizer once it starts to grow and produce new pseudobulbs.
Do cattleya orchids like to be root bound?
STEP 1: Like most orchids, cattleyas prefer to be pot bound rather than overpotted. This is because they don't like their roots too wet. Only repot when the plant looks like it is about to fall over. STEP 2: As they grow, cattleya canes (pseudobulbs) shoot up from a rhizome.
What are the best pots for cattleya orchids?
The best potting container for Cattleya Alliance plants is clay orchid pots. The plastic pots are second choice and considerable cheaper. Water in plastic pots does not evaporate as fast as in clay pots, but if adjustments in watering frequency are made no problems will be encountered.
Do cattleya orchids go dormant?
Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum do not go through dormancy. Some orchids, such as Cattleyas and Oncidiums, have a swollen bulb at the base of each leaf, called a pseudobulb, where they store water. Plants with pseudobulbs need winter dormancy.
How do you plant Cattleya in pots?
3:5812:22Repotting A Cattleya The Traditional Way - tips & tricks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAt the end of the pot. It's kind of wrapped round. And round and these roots down here at the veryMoreAt the end of the pot. It's kind of wrapped round. And round and these roots down here at the very end are the most badly decayed.
Can Cattleya grow without soil?
Cattleya orchid plants grow well in soilless media, such as bark and rocks or perlite, which mimics this natural growth habit.
How long do Cattleya flowers last?
How long do Cattleya blooms last? One to three weeks is the general answer for most Cattleyas. Even though Cattleyas are slow growers—five to seven years from seed to a mature adult—their flowers are well worth the wait.
How hot can Cattleya tolerate?
Often homeowners will look at these exotics blooms and think that they need to be pampered and require intense tropical heat. The reality is that cattleyas will do well growing in daytime temperatures ranging from 65-80° F, preferring temperatures on the cooler side of this spectrum (low 70s).
What is the best mix for a Cattleya orchid?
Cattleya orchids will thrive in a commercial growing mix made specifically for orchids. This usually includes fir or sequoia bark and potentially perlite, horticultural charcoal, coconut husk chips, tree fern fiber, clay pellets, gravel, and more. When grown outdoors cattleya orchids can be slab-mounted, a technique in which the orchid is manually attached to a tree host. To mount the orchid, wrap the roots in moss; wire the plant on top of a shelf (made of organic materials, such as driftwood or cork bark); and attach it to a branch, tree trunk, or log.
What is the name of the orchid that produces pink flowers?
Cattleya labiata: Known commonly as the crimson cattleya or ruby-lipped orchid, this species is medium in size and produces big, showy blooms often in shades of pink, lilac, or white. Cattleya iricolor: This species is notable for its very fragrant flowers in pale yellow or creamy white that have long, narrow petals.
How hot can an orchid grow?
Colder temperatures and frost can kill a plant. The orchids can tolerate temperatures up to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, though it’s important that they have good air circulation and high humidity in such heat. In general, they like a humidity level around 40% to 70%. Many growers raise humidity around their plants by placing the orchid’s container on a tray filled with pebbles and water. The foliage also can be misted in the mornings. Some growers also place a humidifier in the room with the orchid. Plus, these orchids are excellent to grow in greenhouse environments.
How long does it take for a cattleya orchid to grow?
Cattleya orchids are generally long-lived plants and slow growers, taking roughly between four and seven years to mature. The best time to plant these orchids is once new growth appears after they're done flowering. Seeds generally can be started at any point. Featured Video.
Why is Cattleya mossiae called Easter Orchid?
Cattleya mossiae: This species is known as the Easter orchid because it’s usually in bloom around Easter time.
What is the color of crimson cattleya?
Cattleya labiata: Known commonly as the crimson cattleya or ruby-lipped orchid, this species is medium in size and produces big, showy blooms often in shades of pink, lilac, or white.
How often do orchids bloom?
Many of the species sport quite large blooms that stretch several inches across while others have smaller but no less beautiful blooms. Cattleya orchids usually only flower once a year with the timeframe varying by species, though some hybrids have been cultivated to bloom more than once.
All About Cattleya Orchids And Their Flowers
If you already grow Phalaenopsis orchids and are looking to expand your orchid collection, Cattleya orchids are a great choice. Their care needs are similar enough to Phalaenopsis orchids that you can easily add Cattleya orchids to your collection. You won’t need to make too many changes in your growing practices to accommodate them.
Cattleya Orchid Temperature Tolerance
Standard Cattleya orchids do best when temperatures range from 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can tolerate temperature lows down to about 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Humidity Requirements Of Cattleya Orchids
In general, Cattleya orchids prefer humidity levels between 40-70%. If you aren’t sure of the humidity levels in your orchids’ growing area, use a hygrometer to find out.
Lighting Requirements Of Cattleya Orchids
In terms of lighting, lots of indirect, bright light works best for Cattleya orchids. To prevent accidental burning of the leaves, avoid exposing your orchid to direct light.
Tips For Watering Your Cattleya Orchid
Unlike some other species, Cattleya orchids aren’t very fussy or high maintenance. If you are trying to figure out when to water your Cattleya, just pay attention to the orchid’s potting media. Water when it is dry.
Fertilizing A Cattleya Orchid
As with any orchid, Cattleya orchids need regular fertilization with a balanced orchid fertilizer.
How To Pot And Repot Your Cattleya Orchid
As with most every orchid, the best time to repot Cattleya orchids is after they are done blooming. You’ll know the blooming season is over because all the flowers have fallen off and the orchid flower spikes have started to turn brown and dry out.
Cattleya Orchid Types
The Cattleya genus is home to numerous varieties of the flowering perennial plant that blooms at different times and vary with appearance. Here are some of the well-known types;
Caring For Cattleya Orchids
Cattleya Orchids are somewhat easy to care for, as their lighting, water, temperature and fertilizing requirements are basic. It does have a special soil requirement though, but it is a low-maintenance plant.
Toxicity
Cattleya Orchids are non-toxic to pets or children, but still, avoid eating the plant as it has no nutritional or medicinal benefits.
Common Health Problems of the Cattleya Orchid
The Cattleya orchid is a sturdy, durable plant that doesn’t suffer too many health problems. However, excess water in the soil could lead to the following;
What is the ideal temperature for a summer?
In winter, the daytime temperature should range from about 60F to 70F, the night temperature being set for a minimum of about 55F. In the summer, a night temperature of 60F to 65F is desirable, while the day temperature ideally should range from 65F to 75F, but an upper limit of 85F is more realistic.
What is the best nitrogen for cattleyas?
Historically, for cattleyas in a bark medium, a high nitrogen formula like 30-10-10, has been recommended but current research indicates that this high nitrogen is unnecessary and may well hasten the decomposition of the potting medium especially in hot humid areas of the country.
How long does it take for a cattleya to grow?
With proper care, a Cattleya plant can be grown on indefinitely and can be flowered year after year. Proper care depends on a few basic factors, each of them influenced by the others. They are: 1) light and shade; 2) temperature; 3) air movement; 4) humidity; 5) watering; 6) potting and potting medium; 7) feeding. These environmental factors vary from place to place, and each plant will differ in its requirements according to its kind and, to a lesser degree, its individual condition. The essence of good growing is in achieving a happy balance of all factors in relationship to each plant. This is not too difficult, but it demands knowledge, understanding and careful observation on the part of the grower.
What is a cattleya corsage?
For a long period, a Cattleya corsage was a prerequisite for any special occasion and as a result the Cattleya has often been called the Queen of Orchids. While no longer the reigning queen of the orchid floral industry it is difficult not to be impressed by a well-flowered Cattleya. No longer limited to white and various shades of lavender and purple, high quality flowers are available in the entire color spectrum (except true blue) and in a wide range of plant sizes. Most Cattleyas and their relatives are easy to grow. With reasonable care, they can be grown anywhere in the world. Their requirements are few and are summarized below. For the meanings of terms which refer to parts of the plant and flowers, see the accompanying plate.
How much light do cattleyas need?
To grow well and to flower consistently, cattleyas require a good amount of light, preferably in the range from 2,000 to 3,000 foot-candles (about 65-70% shade), although they will tolerate a great deal more light if it is accompanied by sufficient humidity and air movement to keep the leaf-temperature down.
Why are my cattleya leaves turning yellow?
Cattleyas receiving a proper balance of light, humidity and temperature will have rather light yellow-green leaves. Too much light will turn the leaves more yellow than green, give them a dull appearance, or will burn black areas on the upper surfaces of the leaves facing toward the sun.
What are the environmental factors that affect a plant?
They are: 1) light and shade; 2) temperature; 3) air movement; 4) humidity; 5) watering; 6) potting and potting medium; 7) feeding. These environmental factors vary from place to place, and each plant will differ in its requirements according to its kind and, to a lesser degree, its individual condition.
Are Cattleya Orchids Hard to Grow?
Cattleyas are relatively easy to grow. They’re actually one of the better orchids for beginners.
How to tell if orchid needs more water?
During hot, dry weather or sunny afternoons, gently mist the plant to help keep it moist. If the pseudobulbs are starting to wrinkle, it ’s a sign that your orchid needs more water.
What is a cattleya orchid?
The Cattleya is a “sympodial” orchid, meaning it grows from a horizontal stem or “rhizome.”. The rhizome sends out creeping roots, and thick pseudobulbs grow upwards. The flower stalks emerge from these. Pseudobulbs store water to carry the plant through the dry season.
How often do cattleyas bloom?
Close-up: Cattleyas have beautiful blooms. Some individual species will flower once a year, and others can bloom multiple times. In general, a Cattleya will need the most water and nutrients when actively growing and blooming. They will then enter a rest period where moisture and fertilizer should be restricted.
What is the Queen of Orchids?
Cattleya, the “Queen of Orchids,” is a popular variety for both novice and experienced growers. She has a lovely fragrance, expansive blooms, and striking colors. Fortunately for the beginner, Cattleya orchids are also forgiving plants to grow in the home. They tolerate a wide range of conditions and their pseudobulbs make it easy to tell ...
Where do pseudobulbs grow in a pot?
When you repot the plant, place the oldest growth closest to the edge of the pot and the growing end of the rhizome toward the center.
How to protect orchids from direct sunlight?
If it’s near a window that gets a lot of direct sun, shield your orchid with a sheer curtain. Depending on where you live, it will be necessary to move the orchid into more sunlight during the winter months when days are shorter and increase shade in the summer. Balance is essential.
Lighting
The light-loving Cattleya orchid prefers window sills of the western (eastern) or southern directions for living, because for lush and long flowering it requires good illumination for 12-14 hours a day. Only in the summer, at noon, should it be shaded with blinds or a light curtain to avoid overheating or sunburn.
Temperature
It is noticed that different varieties of this orchid prefer different temperatures of keeping not only in winter and summer, but also day and night. Find out in advance which variety is growing with you. If the variety is thermophilic, then the summer temperature during the day should be in the range of 24-28 ° C, and at night 5-6 ° C lower.
Humidity
Cattleya orchid belongs to moisture-loving plants. At any time of the year, high humidity in the range of 60-80% in the room is necessary for it. At the same time, do not forget to ventilate the room – fresh air is also necessary for the healthy growth of the orchid. During the winter heating season, a decrease in humidity to 50-55% is inevitable.
Watering
The Cattleya Orchid should be watered regularly and in moderation, according to the season and natural preferences. It is known that in the tropics, in its habitats, it usually rains in the afternoon. Therefore, we recommend watering just after lunch two or three times a week after the soil has completely dried out from the previous watering.
Fertilizer
The orchid is fed 2-3 times a month with standard orchid fertilizer. The type of fertilizer should be selected depending on the phase of development of the orchid. During active growth following a dormant period, nitrogen supplements should prevail in the fertilizer.
Transfer
The Cattleya orchid does not like frequent transplants. Even a neatly transplanted healthy plant takes a long time to recover after this procedure. Nevertheless, transplanting into new soil every 2 years at the beginning of the growing season is necessary, since the old soil is oxidized during this time and becomes unusable.
Diseases and pests
Cattleya orchid is loved by spider mites, aphids, scale insects and mealybugs, which sometimes attack tropical beauties even at home. To prevent mass infection, you should regularly inspect the flower, especially the lower part of its foliage and pseudobulb. At the first sign of insects on the Cattleya, start the fight to save the flower.
How Do I Take Care of an Orchid Flower?
Care of indoor orchid plants is easy once you learn how to grow them properly. These interesting flowers can be found in a range of colors and sizes depending on the variety. They make excellent accent plantings to nearly any home décor. Orchids require little care once all their basic needs are met such as light, temperature, and humidity.
What is the best mix for orchids?
A basic mix for growing orchids consists of coarse perlite, fir bark, and sphagnum moss. You can also add charcoal but this is optional. Generally, the grade of bark is dependent on the type of orchid grown. For instance, phalaenopsis orchids are usually grown in coarse bark, cattleyas in medium bark, and young orchid plants are best grown in fine ...
What to do if orchids stop blooming?
If your orchids suddenly stop blooming but have suitable light, temperature, and humidity, then repotting may be necessary. Also, keep an eye out for signs of pests or disease. Orchids are occasionally affected by mealybugs, scale, and aphids. These can usually be washed off or treated with insecticidal soap.
How much humidity do orchids need?
Indoor orchid plants also need adequate humidity, about fifty to seventy percent. There are various ways to increase the humidity in your home. Place a water-filled saucer or tray of pebbles beneath plants, mist plants daily, or use a humidifier.
How hot does it have to be for orchids to bloom?
While orchids tolerate cooler or warmer temperatures throughout their normal growing season, they need to be about 15 degrees (8 degrees C) cooler at night than during the day in order to bloom sufficiently.
How often should I fertilize orchids?
Fertilize orchids weekly or bi-weekly while they are producing new growth and decrease to monthly or bi-monthly intervals once they mature. Discontinue altogether once the plants go dormant. Additional orchid care tips include repotting, which is normally done every other year.
Do orchids need light?
They make excellent accent plantings to nearly any home décor. Orchids require little care once all their basic needs are met such as light, temperature, and humidity.
