Cattleya Orchids That Grow Well in a Home

Cattleya Labiata

• The most recognizable of the Cattleyas, this is one of the species widely cross-bred for corsages. Its original flowers are rose colored with a large, ruffled lip of deep rose. Dark lines inside the trumpet lead to a yellow-spotted throat. The fragrant blooms are long-lasting. Naturally a fall bloomer, these orchids have been hybridized and manipulated to bloom in May and June, just in time for proms and weddings.

Cattleya Aurantiaca

• The orange-red 1-inch wide flowers make this an interesting cattleya to add to your collection. Native to Mexico and Central America, it is the most commonly bred orchid, and a parent of many red and orange blooming hybrids.

Cattleya Bicolor

• This native of Brazil is one of the larger Cattleyas, with flower stalks that may reach 4 feet in height. The large, fragrant flowers can be up to 4 inches across, but the colors are what makes them a standout. The lip of the flower is bright purplish-red, while the petals and sepals are a gold-green with a copper tinge.

Cattleya Aclandia

• This dwarf Cattleya from Brazil rarely grows over 6 inches high. It blooms in June or July with variegated chocolate-and-yellow flowers with a rose-colored lip.

General Indoor Culture

• Cattleyas need bright light with no direct midday sun. They are able to withstand temperatures up to 90 degrees F but sustain damage below 50 degrees. They require day to night temperature fluctuations of at least 10 degrees to induce blooming.

  Cattleyas thrive in high humidity. A humidifier is recommended for dry, heated winter air. During other seasons, setting the pots on trays of pebbles half filled with water provides ample humidity around the plant. Provide good air circulation, but don't place it in the direct line of a heating or air conditioning vent.

  Pot your Cattleyas in a general orchid bark mix in a specialized orchid container. Keep them moist but not wet until they finish blooming, then let the medium dry completely between waterings. Never let a Cattleya sit in water, as they are susceptible to root rot.

  Fertilize every other week with a one-half strength solution of liquid orchid fertilizer. Start using orchid bloom fertilizer approximately six weeks before it is due to bloom.