Cattletya Orchid Care and Plant Information

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:57:08 +0000

Cattleya orchids can be amazing to grow at home or in your greenhouse. Care conditions of Cattleya orchids can be created by the beginner or advanced orchid grower. The Cattleya orchid is also known as the queen of orchids. There is an extensive range in the number of colors and sizes for Cattleya orchids. Plant sizes range from the size of a teacup to over 6 feet in height. Cattleyas flowers come in white, lavender, yellow, red, orange, purple, and blended colors. Flower sizes range from inches to almost a foot in diameter.

Here are care conditions of Cattleya orchids:

Light: Bright light to some direct sun when not at brightest, no direct sun in the middle of the day, east, shaded south or west window, 2000-3000 footcandles when in a greenhouse.
Watering: Cattleyas almost like to dry out between waterings, seedlings need constant moisture.
Humidity: Cattleyas prefer 50-80% humidity.
Air movement: Cattletas like good air movement.
Potting media: Cattleya orchids like to be potted in medium to large bark.
Fertilizing: When growing Cattleyas in fir bark use a 30-10-10 fertilizer, otherwise use 20-20-20, in active growth fertilize every two weeks, otherwise fertilize once per month.
Repotting: When your Cattleya plant starts overgrowing the pot or the rhizome protrudes over the edge of the pot, repot. When repotting, soak the roots first for an hour.

Learn more about orchid care in this book.

Orchid Plants are the Best Flowers » cattleya orchid care

Cattletya Orchid Care and Plant Information