| Growing Cattleya Orchids |
Cattleyas and closely related Laelias
- pron. cat lee ya and lay lee ya
Intermediate 12 - 28 C (53 - 82F)
Cattleyas and Laelias are amongst the most flamboyant orchids around
and are often referred to chocolate box orchids due the fact that
they are often depicted on such packaging. These orchids are endemic
to the central American rainforest growing along side the Poison
Arrow Frogs, Bromeliads, luscious Passion Fruit and Papaya right
through Brazil the Andean region. Mostly the plants are epiphytic
(grow on trees) or Lithophytes (grow on rocks). Since they come
from a very wide range of growing environments ranging from tropical
jungle through almost freezing night time conditions you should
be able to house one or two in your collection regardless of your
conditions. Both types have stout bulbs usually with a single leaf
at the top of the bulb which, when ripe is capable of producing
from 1 to 4 very showy flowers in a variety of bright colours.
Light requirements
These plants like good light but not direct sun and will tolerate
light shade during the summer months but none during the winter.
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Watering requirements
Both Cattleyas and Laelias like plenty of water and humidity
during the growing season with a rest from watering of between
6 - 10 weeks after the plant has finished it's current years
bulb, this rest period will encourage the bulb to harden and
help with flower bud formation. Often these plants are often
over watered and the best rule of thumb is if in doubt, wait
a couple of days.
They are quite tough plants and will not be harmed by missing
a watering but will be harmed if over watered. Water
once a week during the summer and once every two to
three weeks at other times (other than their rest period)
mist with fresh water once a day and damp down the benches
to help elevate the humidity levels.
Cattleya 'Lilac Queen' is a delicious deep lilac colour |
Feeding requirements
Feed once every two weeks from March to September with a
half strength high nitrogen feed to boost growth and from
September to mid October use a half strength high potash feed
to ripen the bulbs, the plants should not be watered during
mid October through to the following March. |
Flowering Cattleys Hybrids
Currently Available |
| Re-potting schedule Repotting should be undertaken
during the spring months if they have out grown their pot
or basket. Since they are epiphytic or lithophytic they can
be grown in baskets or on rafts of wood or cork bark, If using
pots use a large grade bark compost as this will allow the
roots to penetrate the compost and prevent them from being
waterlogged.
Right: Cattleya 'Flaming Pixie' is bright orange and carries
a good number of flowers per spike
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Flowering Cattleys Hybrids Currently
Available |
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Cattleya