Cattleya culture

Cultivate Cattleya and allied genera (Brassavola, Rhyncholaelia, Laelia, Schomburgkia, and hybrids like Brassocattleya, Pottinara, etc.)

Orchids of the genus Cattleya and allied genera are native to tropical America (from Mexico to southern Brazil) with distribution areas depending on the genera which can lead to very different development conditions (depending on altitude, exposure to bad weather, etc.)

Here we will approach things in a fairly general manner to allow you to understand the average needs of Cattleya orchids, to make them successful at home.

Growing temperatures

Most Cattleya plants can be grown indoors to benefit from minimum temperatures of 18°C at night.

Daytime temperatures can rise, but Cattleya tolerate them without any problem.

Exposure

Excellent light is necessary for the proper development and flowering of Cattleya orchids. It can be placed less than 50 cm from a window to receive maximum light, especially in winter. In summer, if the sun shines directly on this window, a light curtain can be placed to filter the sun and avoid burning the foliage. (Some rock-dwelling Cattleya - Sophronitis - appreciate direct light, in their natural environment they grow in very exposed areas)

Watering

Cattleyas are water-hungry. Water regularly, once a week throughout the year.

Cattleya plants like to dry out thoroughly between waterings. Therefore, use a well-draining substrate; coarse pine bark is ideal.

Fertilizer

Regular fertilizer application during your Cattleya's growing season will help it thrive. Add balanced fertilizer to the bathing water every other watering, carefully following the dosage. You can also do a first bath with clear water and then a second with fertilizer added.

Repotting

Cattleya plants should be repotted every two years. The repotting period is when new shoots are developing. A suitable substrate made from coarse pine bark is used (our standard substrate or bark L is ideal).

The plant can be placed in a new pot, with a larger diameter, by moving it off-center so that its new shoots develop in the new pot.

The rhizome must be flush with the surface of the substrate.