Cattleya hybrid

These plants are no longer in bloom.

Cattleya are part of the Orchidaceae family and their native range is Costa Rica to Tropical America. They have been hybridised for many years and often have lilac-pink flowers. Cattleya are epiphytic, sympodial orchids with club-shaped pseudobulbs and fleshy, velamen-covered roots. Blooms are large and showy with a prominent frilly lip.

Genus was named by English botanist, William Cattley after himself.

Pot: ø 15cm.

Height: Approximately 35cm from base of pot. 

Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive. East or west facing windowsill. Cattleya can easily scorch if the light is too strong. Dark green leaves with a little hint of red suggest the plant is receiving adequate light, versus pale green leaves which suggest the plant ought to be moved to a brighter spot. If growing in a greenhouse, 50 to 70 percent full sun (3000-5000 foot-candles).

Water: Cattleya require regular watering during the growing season (if receiving adequate light). Allow to potting mix dry out more in winter. Avoid wetting the leaves, the pseudobulb, roots and bark are fine to get wet. 

Potting mix: Orchid Focus repotting mix or a chunky mix made up of pine bark, sphagnum moss and some horticultural charcoal. Cattleya orchids typically require repotting every 2 years after flowering.

Fertilising: Use a ‘Grow’ fertiliser for almost every watering during the growing season; it’s a good idea to pour tepid water on the substrate first to dampen the mix, then pour your diluted fertiliser. 

Temperature: Day time temperatures of 18-24˚C in spring and summer. Night time temperatures of 12-15˚C. During winter they can tolerate night time temperatures as low as 12˚C. 

Humidity: 50-80%. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier. Ensure you have good air circulation if the humidity is higher. 

Blooming information: Flowers typically last 3-4 weeks, buds occasionally produce a sticky substance that in the wild would attract ants (the ants act as a protector to the plant), in the home you can wipe this off with a cloth dipped in lukewarm water. When blooms are spent, remove the dead flowers, stems and sheaths. 

Cattleya are non-toxic.