Cattleya and Brassavola
2-3 years to flower
- BOTANICAL NAME
- Cattleya hybrids
- PLANT TYPE
- Evergreen epiphyte
- SIZE (HxW)
- 10-40cm x 10-30cm.
- DEPTH & SPACING
- Plant with the pseudo bulb about half in, half out of the orchid mix surface, with roots spread beneath. As epiphytes they are best grown in pots, hanging baskets, or on bark or cork. Keep the vessel a similar size.
- SOIL
- Use a good quality, coarse orchid bark mix, or compacted sphagnum moss.
- ASPECT
- A filtered, bright light position is essential to set flowers, with protection from hot summer sun. Keep well ventilated. In winter place in a dry, protected area as they don’t like to be cold and wet. In the right amount of light they will have bright green leaves and a red blush on the pseudobulbs. If the leaves are dark green they aren’t getting enough light. In too much sun the leaves get sunburn and go brown.
- CLIMATE
- Cool to Sub Tropical. They are warm growing orchids, so their ideal temperate range is 18C at night and 27C during the day. This can be easily simulated indoors or in an orchid house.
- FROST
- Sensitive
- WATER
- Water freely in the hot summer months, watering well, then allowing to dry out before watering again but remember in summer they can dry out within a day. They require very little water during winter. Water the potting medium/ roots, not the plant or flower. If you notice green tips on the roots, or wrinkling on the pseudobulb, this is an indication of the need for more water, and or fertiliser. It is a good idea to flush the plants regularly to avoid a buildup of fertiliser salts.
- FERTILISER
- Adding a diluted liquid fertiliser at regular intervals during spring and summer growth is ideal (you should see some sprouts around September). ½ the recommended strength is sufficient every two weeks, or check the instructions on the fertiliser brand you choose.
- FLOWERING TIME
- Spring to autumn. Flowers open on new growth, emerging from a sheath (if it is having trouble opening, give it a gentle hand).
- AFTER FLOWER CARE
- Remove spent flowers to tidy.
- NOTES
- They are slow growing but suitable for most areas of Australia. While relatively pest and disease free, scale or mealy bug may affect unhealthy plants, use a soap wash or insecticide to treat - don't forget to wash it off after. Protect from slugs and snails.
Repot every two to three years (after flowering) as the pots become overcrowded, the plants spread by runners. If dividing at this time, take at least two of the established stems, or you will be waiting a long time for flowers. Remove old, brown roots. Freckles on the leaves are fine, and an indication they are getting the right amount of light.
