These orchids are epiphytic, meaning they naturally grow attached to other plants, such as tree branches.
When grown as a houseplant, an east- or west-facing window that gets a lot of light is ideal.
However, any harsh midday sun that comes through the window should be diffused with a sheer curtain.
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Similarly, the orchids like outdoor sunlight in the morning but should be protected from the strong afternoon sun.
Soil
Cattleya orchids will thrive in a commercial growing mix made specifically for orchids.
Water
These orchids require a moderate amount of moisture.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Water whenever the growing medium is fairly dried out; typically a weekly watering is sufficient.
Do not let the orchids sit in a consistently wet growing medium, which can cause root rot.
Many growers prefer to sit the orchid container in a sink to do this.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Its best to water in the mornings, so the foliage has time to dry in the light.
Otherwise, lingering dampness can cause mildew and other disease.
Colder temperatures and frost can kill a plant.
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In general, they like a humidity level around 40 to 70 percent.
The foliage also can be misted in the mornings.
Some growers also place a humidifier in the room with the orchid.
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Plus, these orchids are excellent to grow in greenhouse environments.
Fertilizer
Some orchids have been known to grow and even bloom for years without fertilizer.
But minimal yet consistent feeding will give your plant the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Many growers recommend using a balancedorchid fertilizerat a quarter strength weekly at each watering.
Excess fertilizer also can damage the orchid’s roots.
However, cattleya orchids can be easily propagated through division, by taking cuttings from the mother plant.
As these new growths can be quite thick, you may find that regular scissors are not strong enough.
This typically will occur every two years.
Choose a slightly larger container with adequate drainage holes.
Common Pests
Pests seem to love this bang out of orchid.
Watch for common houseplant pests that can cause foliage damage, especially scale.
There aremany ways to get rid of scale, including the use of rubbing alcohol or neem oil.
Keep in mind that an orchid can still be a healthy houseplant without blooming.
Bloom Months
Bloom month varies depending on whichCattleyaspecies you have, as well as your indoor conditions.
Many bloom in May, and some also bloom in the fall.
What Do Cattleya Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The bold, bright flowers produced by cattleya orchids form different shapes and are available in different colors.
Some are even multi-color.
Cattleya orchids that arent getting enough light will have darker than normal foliage, and they often wont flower.
Consider agrow lightfor the orchid, which could persuade it to bloom.
Look for the following signs of problems with your cattleya orchid.
A plump pseudobulb indicates a happy, well-hydrated plant but a wrinkled one indicates severe dehydration.
Scale bugs also hide under the papery covering of the pseudobulb so be sure to investigate.
Cut away the discolored portions and treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide.
Simply remove infected leaves and other areas so the bacteria doesn’t spread.
Remove the damaged areas so the fungus does not spread.
Use rubbing alcohol to eliminate the pests.
A cattleya orchid can be easy to grow when it’s given proper care.
A cattleya orchid can bloom once or twice a year.
Misting plants does not really increase the humidity around them, and misting flowers directly can damage them.
Placing cattleya orchids near a humidifier will be more effective.
If you are determined to mist, consider misting just the orchid’s aerial roots.
