Laelia Cattleya 9 cm

Laelia Cattleya

The Cattleya is native to Central and South America. The English orchid collector William Cattleya gave the Cattleya its name. For a number of South American countries (including Colombia), the Cattleya is the national symbol. They are epiphytes; in nature they grow on trees.

The Orchid is available all year round at the better florists and garden centers. The peak is in the spring and autumn.

Appearance of the Orchid

The Cattleya has the most varied appearance of all orchids. There are large and small flowered Cattleyas. The small-flowered varieties have more flowers per stem than the large-flowered ones. The Cattleya stands out because of its spectacular colours. The Cattleya is often fragrant, especially when exposed to daylight.

All Cattleya's have fairly hard leaves. This indicates that they get quite a lot of light or sun in their natural environment. The Cattleya therefore also needs a lot of light here, but no bright sun. The Cattleya can be placed outside in the summer, with half light and half shade. The ideal temperature for the Cattleya is 18 to 22ËšC. The flowering period of the Cattleya is two to three weeks.

Care Cattleya Orchid

The Cattleya likes a light spot, but do not place it in direct sunlight.

In winter, watering once a week is sufficient. Depending on the location, this may be done a little more often in the summer. Lukewarm water is best for the Cattleya. Dip the Cattleya until no more bubbles appear, then drain well before putting it back.

Feed the Cattleya Orchid once a month. Fertilize the Cattleya a total of twice in the winter period.

The ideal temperature is between 15°C and 25°C.

Treat the Cattleya after flowering in the same way as during flowering. When the flower has finished blooming, the flower dries up on its own and falls off. There is no need to cut the branch.

After flowering, a new growth shoot appears on the underside of the spent bulb (mature shoot). A new flower stem emerges from the sheath, at the base of the leaf. The sheath provides protection in the early stages. When the young shoot is fully grown, it will flower again. This entire process takes six to nine months.

Put the Cattleya in a larger pot every two years. Use fine bark (Orchid Soil). It is important to keep the Cattleya growing vigorously, because only the new shoots give flowers.

Be careful with full sun: These plants should not be placed in full and direct sun, because there is a risk of burning. A bright spot where the sun does not shine directly is good. A north-facing window or shade from the sun would be fine.

Dipping once a week: A potted plant with the pot in a container with water indicates that this plant likes to be dipped with the root ball in the water for a short time (10 minutes). After dipping, the water should drain.

Feed once a month: This plant has a moderate nutritional requirement. Feeding once a month with food respecting the concentration recommended on the product is sufficient.

Not suitable for consumption: These plants are not suitable for consumption by humans and animals.
Source: Orchids info

The Cattleya is loved for its spectacular colors.