Cattleya Orchids (“Catts”)
These showy, often fragrant flowers may have been a first prom corsage. They are surprisingly easy to grow on a sunny windowsill, boasting blooms in colors ranging from classic orchid lavender to red, yellow, orange, white, even blue, with stripes and splashes also possible. There are compact and miniature varieties as well as some growing to 21/2ft.
Light - Give medium-bright light in a southern or southeastern window; leaves should be a grassy green (rather than dark green, which indicates insufficient light).
Temperature - Day - normal room temperature, about 70º F; Night – about 55º F.
Watering - Drench thoroughly once or twice a week when the potting mix feels dry about half an inch down
Feeding - Give a light application of soluble orchid fertilizer once a week.
Potting Mix - Medium orchid bark
Tips for Rebloom - Usually blooming once yearly at the same time, cattleyas need a 10-20º F drop in temperature at night to trigger flower buds to form. The better the light, the more flowers. Allow to grow very dense in the pot before transplanting.
Don't forget: Cattleyas must be well-drained, so don't let them stand in water!
Written by Graham Rice