CULTURE OF CATTLEYAS
BY
By Frank Fordyce
Cattleyas are the orchids first brought to mind when orchids are mentioned and are among the easiest to grow. Through hybridization they are available in an assortment of bright colors as well as the popular white and purple and have also been miniaturized to be easily grown on windowsills.
WHERE CAN I GROW THEM? - Cattleyas can be successfully grown as a house plant as well as in a greenhouse environment as long as good light and humidity are present. They may grow out-of-doors in a protected area in the mild spring and summer months, and in a bright, sunny window during the winter.
TEMPERATURE: - Cattleyas thrive in intermediate temperatures from 55 to 85 degrees F. with a relative humidity of 50 to 60%.
POTTING MEDIA: - Most Cattleyas are potted in fir bark. Perlite may also be added. One must remember that Cattleya roots are air-loving, and as long as the medium is chunky and allows good drainage and air movement around the roots, they should do well. Repot every 2 years to insure, not only that your pot remains roomy enough for new growth, but more importantly, that you change the old broken down bark for new fresh bark. When repotting, it is a good idea to soak your bark over night so that the dust and small particles settle and the good bark floats to the top.
WATERING: - When you water, water thoroughly and let it drain thoroughly. Overwatering is the biggest problem to overcome when caring for your Cattleyas. They require a THROUGH DRYING-OUT in between watering or root rot can occur. If in doubt as to when your plant is dry enough to water, sharpen a pencil to get fresh wood on the tip and stick it deep into the pot and twist it a time or two. If the fresh wood is darkened by moisture, DON'T WATER! Unless the pot is extremely light when picking it up, DON'T WATER! Never place a saucer under the plant so it sits in water...always maintain good drainage for healthy roots.
HUMIDITY: - Whether outdoors or in the home, humidity is obtained by placing the plants over gravel in a tray containing water. The evaporation of the water around the gravel provides humidity. A light misting of the foliage on hot days is beneficial in the morning.
FEEDING: - Using a water soluble fertilizer such as 30-10-10; or 20-20-20 is recommended each time you water, but only use 1/4 the recommended amount (if the recommendations call for 1 teaspoon per gallon of water, use 1/4 teaspoon per gallon). Every six weeks to two months use plain water for one watering.
LIGHT AND SHADING: - Cattleyas need a great deal of strong indirect light in order to flower. Direct hot sun may cause sunburn on leaves. If leaves are dark, lush green in color, the plant is not getting enough light to flower. The large-flowered, typical florist Cattleyas bloom once per year, and the miniature Cattleyas (plant height 6 to 12'' with blooms to 5'' size) bloom twice per year.
Note about the author: Frank Fordyce, two times past president of the Orchid Society of California is a world renown pioneer hybridizer of Miniature Cattleya. He made such famous hybrids as SLC Madge Fordyce, SLC Sue Fordyce, SLC Hazel Boyd, SLC Dixie Jewels and other standard size famous Cattleya hybrids. Fordyce Orchids is a small family owned and operated orchid company specializing in the Cattleya alliance. His customers range from the beginning hobbyist to the very discriminating collectors and professional growers. Frank Fordyce has written many articles in orchid society journals and magazines and has given lectures at five world orchid conferences and many orchid societies throughout the world. Presently, he possibly has more seed pods and new hybrids in process than any other grower in the United States in the Cattleyas Alliance. You may contact Frank at his business located at 1330 Isabel Ave., Livermore, Ca. 94550, phone (510) 447-7171