Am I Taking Good Care Of My Cattleya Orchids?

Did you placed your Cattleya Orchids in bright, but diffused sunlight?

Did you planted your Cattleya in a well-drained potting mix, made for orchids?

Did you provide a temperature between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for your Cattleya?

Do you water your Cattleya regularly during the growing season but cut back on water when flowers begin to emerge?

Do you feed your Cattleya lightly but consistently with a balanced fertilizer?

Do you repot your Cattleya frequently?

Do you keep your Cattleya Orchids free of pests and diseases?

Cattleya orchids like bright light and will not flower without enough exposure. They can be acclimated to some direct sunlight as long as the foliage does not get too hot, and if there is enough humidity and air circulation. An ideal amount of light for these delicate flowers is somewhat diffused—many people like to place them next to a window that's covered with a sheer curtain to lessen the intensity of the rays.

Cattleya orchids will do well in most orchid mix soils, including pine bark, clay pellets, perlite, charcoal, or any well-draining medium soil.

Temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for orchids. They can tolerate occasional periods of hot temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Centigrade) as long as there is enough moisture and partial shade. As for cold weather, they can survive in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit as long as the leaves remain free from frost.

Water regularly during the growing season, but do not allow them to sit in water. Cut water back when the flowers begin to emerge from their sheaths, as extra moisture that collects the buds will rot the immature flowers.

Some orchids have been known to grow and even bloom for years without fertilizer, but a minimal, yet consistent weekly feeding will give your plant the nutrients it needs to thrive. Cattleya orchids do well with a basic 20-20-20 fertilizer at quarter strength and a 10-10-10 fertilizer at half strength. You can also apply a specialized orchid fertilizer once a week. During the rest period, fertilize every other week.

Cattleya grows by utilizing a branching, creeping rhizome with thick, clinging roots. Repotting is stressful, and a plant will usually take a season to recover, so only transfer your orchids when necessary. When repotting a cattleya, make sure there's enough room for the rhizome to produce at least two new pseudobulbs before it hits the edge of the pot.

Good job! You are taking good care of your Cattleya Orchids.

Cattleya orchids are susceptible to insect pests like mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, and scales. No matter which of these pests is bugging you, a thorough coating of insecticidal soap will kill them on contact. Diseases like root rot, leaf spot, and bacterial rot are known to cause problems also. To avoid these diseases make sure to water your orchid properly.