Growing Instructions - Cattleyas

This wonderful genus is spread throughout the Americas, from Mexico, thoughout Central America and down both coasts of South America all the way to the Pampus.  This extensive geography, with its obviously varied conditions and extremes, dictate the requirements for the various species.  We grow just about all of our cattleya type hybrids in outdoor conditions and are amazed at their cold tolerance.

Light
Medium to bright light is best.  2000 to 3000 footcandles

Temperature
Day temperatures in 70's and 80's are perfect but even higher temperatures are not harmful.  Night temperatures of 55-60F are perfect, but some, such as C. intermedia, bicolor, forbesii, loddigesii, guttata, and leopoldii, can take to 32F and below for short periods.  As a general rule, bifoliates (2 leaved growths) are more cold tolerant than the unifoliates (single leaved growths).

Water
Watering, like all other orchids, is done as needed.  Under our conditions, mostly once a week, with occasional wetting down during warm times.  Mounted plants are wet down on sunny summer days.

Fertilizer
Regular feeding promotes good growth.  Use a balanced fertilizer or one a little higher in nitrogen such as 10-5-5.  Micro-nutrients are always desirable with the inert orchid mixes.

Repotting
If the plant looks happy, repotting is necessary only every 3 to 5 years.  One bulb over the edge of the pot is okay, or simply set the plant in another empty, slightly larger pot, letting the roots curl around inside, and allow the rhizome to crawl over the rims of the pots(s)..  Don't over pot, that is, use a pot that is much bigger than the plant..  Select a pot which has good drainage and allows about 2-3 years growth.  We use medium fir bark.

SANTA BARBARA ORCHID ESTATE
1250 Orchid Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93111 +++ 1-805-967-1284 +++ www.sborchid.com