Cattleya Orchids

How to Plant and Grow Cattleya Orchids

Discover how to achieve the most vibrant and healthy blooms from your Cattleya orchids (Cattleya spp.). Explore expert advice on proper watering, fertilizing, and repotting techniques for this exquisite flower.

Table of Contents

Introduction

For many, the quintessential image of an orchid is likely a bloom from the Cattleya genus (pronounced kat-lee-uh). Known for their striking, aromatic flowers, Cattleya orchids boast a diverse array of shapes, hues, and combinations. Some species feature impressively large flowers spanning several inches, while others present smaller, yet equally captivating blossoms. Typically, Cattleya orchids bloom once annually, with the timing varying across species. However, certain hybrids, particularly those crossed with Laelia orchids, are bred to flower multiple times.

These orchids thrive as epiphytes, growing naturally on other plants, like tree branches. Their leaves are usually a muted green. Cattleya orchids develop from pseudobulbs, which function as reservoirs for water and nutrients. These plants are known for their longevity and slow growth rate, often taking about four to seven years to fully mature. The optimal time for planting these orchids is just after they have finished blooming and new growth is visible. Seeds, on the other hand, can be sown at any time.

Cattleya Orchids flower

Characteristics

Common Name and Botanical Aspects

  • Common Names: Cattleya orchid, orchid, corsage orchid, Queen of the Orchids
  • Botanical Name: Cattleya
  • Family: Orchidaceae
  • Plant Type: Perennial
  • Mature Size: 3–24 inches tall and wide
  • Sun Exposure: Partial
  • Soil Type: Well-drained
  • Soil pH: Acidic
  • Bloom Time: Spring, Fall
  • Flower Color: White, green, yellow, orange, red, purple
  • Hardiness Zones: 10–12 (USDA)
  • Native Area: Central America, South America

Cattleya Orchid Care

The Cattleya orchid originates from Brazil and owes its name to horticulturist William Cattley. He played a significant role in the history of this orchid, having revived a wilting specimen that arrived in London and subsequently promoting its popularity through cataloging and journal publications.

Caring for Cattleya orchids is relatively straightforward, making them suitable for both beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts. These orchids are excellent as indoor plants but can also thrive outdoors in tropical climates or during warmer seasons in colder regions.

Successful cultivation of Cattleya orchids hinges on several key factors: providing adequate light, ensuring optimal temperature and humidity levels, and proper watering and feeding routines.

Light

For best growth, these orchids require bright but indirect sunlight. When cultivated indoors, placing them near an east or west-facing window that receives ample light is optimal. To prevent damage from intense midday sun, it’s advisable to use a sheer curtain to soften the light. In outdoor settings, morning sunlight is beneficial for these orchids, but they should be shielded from the more intense afternoon sun. Overexposure to light can lead to orchid leaves turning a yellowish hue, and in extreme cases, they might even exhibit scorched brown or black patches.

Soil

Cattleya orchids flourish when planted in a commercially available orchid-specific growing mix. These mixes typically contain components like fir or sequoia bark, and may also include perlite, horticultural charcoal, coconut husk chips, tree fern fiber, clay pellets, gravel, among others. For outdoor cultivation, Cattleya orchids can be effectively slab-mounted. This method involves manually securing the orchid to a tree. To do this, envelop the roots in moss, then fasten the plant to a natural shelf-like structure, such as driftwood or cork bark, using wire. This assembly is then attached to a branch, tree trunk, or log.

Water

Cattleya orchids need a moderate level of moisture to thrive. It’s best to water them when the growing medium has almost completely dried out, which often means watering once a week. It’s crucial to avoid keeping the orchids in an overly wet medium, as this can lead to root rot. During watering, ensure the water thoroughly saturates the foliage and drains out of the container’s holes. Many growers find it convenient to water their orchid while it’s in a sink. Morning is the ideal time for watering, allowing the foliage to dry under the light and reducing the risk of diseases like mildew due to prolonged dampness.

Temperature and Humidity

Cattleya orchids thrive in daytime temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while preferring nighttime temperatures to be between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure to cold temperatures or frost can be fatal for these plants. They can withstand temperatures as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but under such conditions, it’s crucial to ensure good air circulation and maintain high humidity. A humidity level of 40 to 70 percent is generally ideal for these orchids. To increase humidity, many growers place their orchid’s container on a tray with pebbles and water, and some mist the foliage in the mornings. Additionally, using a humidifier in the room where the orchid is kept can be beneficial. Cattleya orchids are also well-suited for cultivation in greenhouse conditions.

Fertilizer

While some orchids can grow and occasionally bloom for extended periods without fertilizer, providing minimal and regular feeding can significantly enhance their health and vitality. It’s commonly suggested by many growers to apply a balanced orchid fertilizer at one-fourth strength every week during watering. Over-fertilizing can lead the plant to concentrate more on leaf growth rather than flowering, and may also result in stalks that fail to bear flowers. Moreover, an excess of fertilizer can harm the roots of the orchid.

Varieties of Cattleya Orchids

Within the Cattleya genus, there are numerous orchid species and hybrids, each distinct in its appearance and blooming period. These include:

  • Cattleya labiata: Often referred to as the crimson cattleya or ruby-lipped orchid, this medium-sized species is known for its large, eye-catching blooms, typically in shades of pink, lilac, or white.
  • Cattleya iricolor: Recognized for its highly fragrant flowers, this species produces pale yellow or creamy white blossoms with long, slender petals.
  • Cattleya mossiae: Also known as the Easter orchid, Cattleya mossiae typically flowers around Easter.
  • Cattleya percivaliana: Commonly called the Christmas orchid, this species blooms in the fall and winter, often displaying pale lavender flowers.
  • Cattleya schroederae: Another species sharing the common name of Easter orchid, it is celebrated for its springtime blooms with showy flowers that can reach up to 9 inches in diameter.
Cattleya Orchids tree

Potting and Repotting Cattleya Orchids

These orchids prefer minimal disturbance to their roots, so it’s best to repot them only when absolutely necessary. Indicators that it’s time to repot include roots extending over the pot’s edge or a decomposed growing medium that impedes proper drainage. This usually happens every two years. When repotting, select a container slightly larger than the current one, ensuring it has good drainage. Gently remove the orchid from its old pot, being careful to loosen the roots. Shake off any decomposed potting mix from the roots. In the new pot, place the orchid at the same depth as it was previously, and surround the roots with fresh orchid potting mix, packing it lightly.

Common Pests

This orchid variety tends to attract pests, so it’s crucial to monitor for common houseplant pests that may damage the foliage, particularly scale insects. Addressing scale infestations promptly is vital, as these pests feed on the plant’s sap, causing significant harm to Cattleya orchids. Various methods, including rubbing alcohol or neem oil, are effective in eliminating scale. Additionally, thrips can be managed by spraying with water, while spider mites are susceptible to treatment with water or neem oil. Although these pests are less likely to be fatal, they can still harm the orchid. Mealybugs, which create a cottony white residue, particularly around buds, can be washed off with water or controlled using other techniques.

How to Get Cattleya Orchids to Bloom

Ensuring your plant receives adequate light is key to encouraging a Cattleya orchid to bloom. Orchids lacking sufficient light typically display unusually dark foliage and may fail to produce flowers. If your orchid has at least one leaf that is a light green color, this is a good indicator that it’s receiving enough light to potentially bloom. Implementing a grow light can be an effective strategy to stimulate flowering. Artificial lighting offers the advantage of consistency, allowing you to provide the precise amount of light needed for your orchid’s optimal growth.

Common Problems With Cattleya Orchids

Despite being relatively easy to cultivate, issues can still arise with your Cattleya orchid. Be on the lookout for these indicators of potential problems.

Wrinkled Pseudobulb

Unlike many other orchids, the Cattleya orchid possesses a pseudobulb, a specialized part that helps it endure dry periods. Monitoring the pseudobulb, a swollen organ on the stem, can provide insights into your plant’s well-being. A healthy and hydrated plant typically has a full and firm pseudobulb, while a dehydrated one will appear wrinkled. Additionally, scale bugs often conceal themselves under the pseudobulb’s papery covering, so it’s important to check for them. To remove these pests, you can use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or a spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol to effectively tackle the scale infestation.

Discolored Pseudobulb

Should you notice the pseudobulb’s color changing to a creamy hue or becoming blackened, this is a sign that the plant is experiencing a water mold issue, leading to rot from the roots upwards. To address this, trim away the affected areas and apply hydrogen peroxide to the cut to treat it.

Brown Spots on Leaves

Although large brown spots on the leaves can be unsightly, this bacterial problem typically isn’t a major cause for concern. To prevent the spread of the bacteria, simply remove the affected leaves and any other infected parts of the plant.

Dead Leaf Tips

In cases where it’s not just isolated brown spots but rather the entire tip of a leaf turning brown and appearing dead, the plant might be afflicted with anthracnose, a type of fungal disease. It’s important to cut off these damaged areas to prevent the fungus from spreading further.

Yellow Spots on Leaves

A scale infestation can become apparent through yellow, chlorotic spots appearing on the upper side of the leaves. To combat these pests, rubbing alcohol can be an effective solution. If you observe larger, stippled yellow spots, it could indicate that spider mites are depleting the plant’s leaves of their juices.

Benefits of Cattleya Orchids

Cattleya orchids, often known for their striking and fragrant blooms, offer several benefits that make them a popular choice among orchid enthusiasts and indoor gardeners:

  1. Aesthetic Beauty: Cattleya orchids are highly valued for their large, colorful, and often fragrant flowers. They can add a touch of elegance and exotic beauty to any indoor setting.

  2. Air Purification: Similar to many houseplants, Cattleya orchids can contribute to improving air quality. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which can help purify the air in your home or office.

  3. Mental Wellbeing: The process of caring for orchids and watching them bloom can be incredibly rewarding and therapeutic. It can reduce stress, promote a sense of achievement, and improve overall mental wellbeing.

  4. Long-lasting Blooms: The flowers of Cattleya orchids can last for several weeks, providing a prolonged period of enjoyment. This long bloom time makes them an excellent choice for indoor decoration.

  5. Improves Humidity: Orchids, in general, can help maintain humidity levels in a room. This is especially beneficial in drier climates or during winter when indoor air can become particularly dry.

  6. Learning and Hobby Interest: Growing Cattleya orchids can be a fascinating hobby. It offers an opportunity to learn about the specific needs and care requirements of these unique plants, making it a rewarding experience for gardening enthusiasts.

  7. Variety and Diversity: There is a wide variety of Cattleya orchids available, each with its unique flower shapes, colors, and scents. This diversity allows enthusiasts to collect and nurture different types, adding to the appeal of growing them.

It’s important to note that while Cattleya orchids are rewarding to grow, they do require specific care conditions, including adequate light, proper watering, and specific temperature ranges, to thrive and bloom.

FAQs

Are cattleya orchids hard to grow?

With appropriate care, growing a Cattleya orchid can be a straightforward process.

How often does a cattleya orchid bloom?

A Cattleya orchid has the potential to flower once or twice annually.

What month do cattleya orchids bloom?

Predicting the precise blooming time of a Cattleya orchid in spring or fall can be challenging, but many hope for its blossoms to coincide with Mother’s Day in May.

How much sun do cattleya orchids need?

Ensure your Cattleya receives abundant indirect sunlight while avoiding direct exposure to sunlight.

Are cattleya orchids poisonous to cats?

Cattleya orchids are not poisonous to cats. In fact, orchids are generally considered to be safe for pets, including both cats and dogs. However, it’s always a good idea to prevent pets from chewing on any houseplants, as they can cause digestive upset or other issues unrelated to toxicity. If you have concerns about your pets and plants, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian.

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