With very attractive flowers, Cattleya Orchids are originally from Costa Rica and tropical South America.
The large and colourful flowers make them a popular for hybridisation and many different named cultivars are available for sale.
With over 100 species many with fragrant flowers they are indeed the ‘Queen of Orchids’, beautiful and graceful.
Popular orchid with collectors species include: the widely grown species C. walkeriana, C. labiata, C. aurantiaca, and C. intermedia . Pictured top right we have the species, Cattleya percivaliana.
Cattleya Orchid Care
- Light requirements – Similar to other low light orchids such as Phalaenopsis.
- Temperature – A range of 55F to 80F degrees F from winter to summer. (13C to 29C)
- Humidity – 50 – 60 % humidity is required for optimum growth.
- Fertilization – Use a formulated orchid fertilizer one a month.
- Watering –
Water often enough to let the potting mix or sub strata dry completely between watering. Every 2 weeks is a guide depending on temperature.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name : Cattleya
- Common Names : Cattleya orchid,Corsage orchid, Queen of the Orchids
- Family : Orchidaceae
- Origin : South America, Costa Rica through to Argentina
- Pronunciation : kat·lee·uh
- Growth Habit :Perennial
- Size : To 2ft (60 cm) However as small as .25ft (7cm)
- Flowering Time : Dependant on Species – Spring or Fall.
- Flower Colour : Varies Greatly – White, Pink, Purple, Lavender, Orange, Yellow, Red, Near Blue, and Green
- Light : About 65% shade. More sun in humid conditions, but not hot sun.
- Temperature : 65-80° F Daytime, 55-65° F Night
- Pots : Clay (terracotta) Orchid Pots
- Soil : Fir Bark and Perlite or a commercial Orchid Mix.
- Frost Tolerant : No
- Drought Tolerant : No
