Cattleya's

Cattleyas are referred to as the Queen of the orchids. It is no wonder. All you need to do is look at a nicely grown plant with good flowers and you will know why.

LIGHT:
Cattleyas do wellr in bright light, 50-55% shading in a greenhouse. Some mini catts can go as low as 1000 foot candles. Indoors, grow in the east, west or in a south window with a sheer curtain.

TEMPERATURES:
The night time temperature should be between 55 to 60 F. During the day the temp should be 70 to 85 F. There should be a ten to fifteen degree (F) difference in the day/night temperatures.

HUMIDITY:
50 -80% is ideal. Swamp coolers and humidifiers work the best.

FERTILIZER:
I have found good results with using 20-20-20 fertilizer. High nitrogen can keep the plants from flowering. 30-10-10 works well with straight fir bark. We recommend application at a rate of (1/4) tablespoon per gallon of fertilizer. I have used Osmocote 14-14-14 with good results.

WATER:
Cattleyas have pseudobulbs and do not need to be watered as often. Use good quality water with low salts. I let my catts dry out between waterings.

POTTING:
The best time for repotting is when the new roots start to grow. Some are root before bloom and others are root after bloom. I wait untill the roots are about one inch in length. I use medium size coconut husk chunks or bark.