Cattleya

Description

Cattleya is a genus of orchids that belong to the family Orchidaceae. It is named after Sir William Cattley, who was the first person to successfully cultivate this orchid in England in the early 19th century. Cattleyas are known for their large, showy, and fragrant flowers that come in a wide variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and yellow. They are popular among orchid enthusiasts and are often used in hybridization to create new cultivars.

Taxonomic Information

Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Plantae
Phylum:	Tracheophyta
Class:	Liliopsida
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Genus:	Cattleya

Appearance

Cattleyas have large, round pseudobulbs that store water and nutrients. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and can grow up to 30 cm in length. The flowers are large and showy, and they can grow up to 15 cm in diameter. The lip of the flower is often frilly and ruffled, and it serves as a landing pad for pollinators. Cattleya flowers can have a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, yellow, and red. Some cultivars have a combination of colors or a gradient from one color to another.

Care Guide

Water: Cattleyas should be watered once a week, or when the potting mix is almost dry. They prefer to dry out between waterings, but they should not be allowed to completely dry out. It is important to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause rot.

Fertilization: Cattleyas should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. They should not be fertilized during the winter when they are dormant.

Soil: Cattleyas should be potted in a well-draining orchid mix, such as bark or sphagnum moss. They should be repotted every two years or when the potting mix starts to break down.

Sunlight: Cattleyas prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They should be protected from direct sunlight, as this can burn their leaves and flowers.

Hardiness Zones: Cattleyas are tropical plants and cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C. They should be kept in a warm, humid environment, such as a greenhouse or indoors.

Common Pests & Diseases

Cattleyas can be susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. They can also be prone to fungal and bacterial infections if they are overwatered or if the humidity is too high. It is important to monitor the plant regularly and treat any pests or diseases promptly.

Habitat

Cattleyas are native to Central and South America, where they grow in tropical rainforests. They are epiphytes, which means they grow on trees and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and rainwater. They can also be found growing on rocks or in soil, but they prefer to grow in well-draining, airy environments.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I repot my Cattleya?

A: Cattleyas should be repotted every two years or when the potting mix starts to break down.

Q: Can Cattleyas tolerate direct sunlight?

A: No, Cattleyas prefer bright, indirect sunlight and should be protected from direct sunlight.

Q: What is the best fertilizer for Cattleyas?

A: Cattleyas should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: How often should I water my Cattleya?

A: Cattleyas should be watered once a week, or when the potting mix is almost dry.

Related Plants

• Encyclia
• Dendrobium
• Oncidium
• Phalaenopsis

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). Cattleya Orchids. edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
• American Orchid Society. (n.d.). Cattleya Orchids. www.aos.org.
• Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Cattleya. www.rhs.org.uk.