Cattleya orchids are among the most beautiful and satisfying of all orchid species to grow and care for. Since the care of Cattleya orchid is easy, gardening beginners who are interested in growing orchids but haven’t had any experience before, can start with Cattleya orchid. With simple growing conditions, most of us can obtain outstanding results.
And here, let me share with you what I have learned about Cattleya orchids.
Light
The growing area of Cattleya orchids needs to be covered with 50-60% shade cloth. If the light is too strong, the leaves of the Cattleya orchids will be burned. On the other hand, if the light is too weak, the plant will be very weak, and won’t blossom.
Air Circulation
Air circulation is especially critical for Cattleya orchids that grow indoor in a greenhouse. Cattleya orchids are prompt to disease and pest when the air flow in the room is poor.
Temperature
Cattleya orchids are able to accustom to temperatures as low as 10-13 degree Celsius (50-55 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter and as high as 27-33 degree Celsius (80-90 degrees Fahrenheit)in the summer. It worth noting that there should have some temperature variations of at least 5 degrees between day time and night time for the Cattleya orchids to grow strong and bloom beautifully.
Water
When an orchid is killed by a water problem, 99% of the time is due to over-watering. Water the Cattleya orchid only when the potting medium is totally dry.
Potting Mix
Cattleya orchids grow well in pumice stones. Pumice stones allow water to drain out quickly, which minimize the over-watering problem and keep the roots healthy at all time. Also, we can put a few pieces of styrofoam at the bottom of the orchid pot to improve the air circulation in the root area.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing our Cattleya orchids every 10-14 days with a balanced formula like 20-20-20 in only half the strength as instructed on the fertilizer package.
Cattleya is a beautiful orchid. I like the obvease size of the flower and the range of colours that they have. Thanks for sharing the how to grow this wonderful exotic plant 😀
I am growing a cattleya orchid in my garden. It was my late father’s favourite and it is pale purple in colour. Yours which is yellow and red is very beautiful indeed. I like the idea of using pumice stones.
Yes Autumn Belle, pumice stones is perfect for growing orchids 😉
yes i love the color i have one in my front of my house i thought it will not grow but it blooms last week with red clor i love it to wtach attach to malunggay tree
Happy to hear pumice stone as potting medium for cattleya. I started with cattleya last year but they all died due to over feeding, but can’t stop with my gardening so I search on how to care for these orchids. Now I have dozen pots of different variety and always thinking of adding some more in few weeks time. My husband and my mom supports me with this hobby, Thank you God for your beautiful creation, happy to know that many people are crazy about orchids, and I’m one of them….