Cattleyas have continued to be the popular choice when it comes to corsages and wedding bouquets. Their beautiful flowers can be long lasting and fragrant quite often.

LIGHT: Cattleyas require bright light to bloom. The proper light level ranges from 2,000-3,000 foot candles. Leaves should be firm, stiff and medium green in color. If the leaves are dark green and curl up rather than stay flat, the light level is too low. In the San Francisco Bay area, cattleyas can be summering outside, provided that they are introduced to the higher light level gradually.

TEMPERATURE: Cattleyas are intermediate growers and enjoy a temperature range between 50-90oF. Short periods of warmer temperatures can be tolerated if there is adequate humidity.

WATER: Cattleyas do not like to have wet feet. They have good water storing capability in the form of pseudobulbs and can tolerate brief periods of dryness. Allow the medium to dry before watering again (wet to dry). When you do water, water generously to leach out unwanted salts in the medium.

HUMIDITY: Cattleyas need humidity between 40% and 70%. In a home growing environment, humidity can be increased by the use of trays partially filled with gravel and water, so that the pots never sit in water.

FERTILIZER: Cattleyas should be fed regularly. Use a high nitrogen fertilizer (30-10-10) applied at ¼ - ½ strength every week during the growing period. Some cattleyas require a brief rest period during the winter, when water and fertilizer should be greatly reduced. Flush the plant with plain water once a month.

POTTING: Repotting, cattleyas when there is root activity is best, so that the plants can be re-established quickly. If disturbed during the resting period, some cattleyas can take years to recover. Select a pot that will allow for 1 or 2 years of growth. Use a medium-grade potting material or mix.

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