As we head towards the end of January 2019, many of your orchids are now in their growing phase. Remember to feed them regularly with a growing fertiliser. We are currently running specials on some of our cattleya varieties. Here is some growing information for these very rewarding orchids.

GROWING GUIDE - CATTLEYAS

Cattleyas are among the most popular orchids in home culture. These plants are either epiphytic or lithophytes and come to the tropics of Central and South America. Cattleyas are generally fairly easy to grow and flower. The Cattleya has often been called the Queen of Orchids. While no longer the reigning queen of the orchid floral industry it is difficult not to be impressed by a well-flowered Cattleya. No longer limited to white and various shades of lavender and purple, high quality flowers are available in the entire color spectrum (except true blue) and in a wide range of plant sizes. Most Cattleyas and their relatives are easy to grow. With reasonable care, they can be grown anywhere in the world. Their requirements are few and are summarized below.

LIGHT: The Cattleya prefer relatively high light levels. They can tolerate some early morning sun but would require shading from 10h00 onwards. Their leaves should be a light green in colour, a darker green indicates too little light. Many have successfully grown these outdoors under 60% shade netting.

WATERING AND FERTILIZING: Cattleys grow best when their potting medium becomes dry in between watering. Plants in active growth phase require more water and humidity. When the pseudobulbs are fully formed less water should be given.

A well balanced or high nitrogen fertiliser can be used throughout the year. Weekly feeding can be beneficial however fertilisers should be heavily diluted.

HUMIDITY: Cattleyas enjoy humidity levels between 50 - 80%. Good ventilation and air movement should be maintained in order to prevent fungal and bacterial diseases.

REPOTTING: Cattleyas should not be repotted unless plants have outgrown the pot or when the potting medium begins to deteriorate. A medium that drains well is beneficial for these orchids.

TEMPERATURE: The ideal temperature for growing Cattleyas is between 22 - 30 C while night temperature ranges between 15 - 18 C.

Head over to our online shop and get one of these beauties, currently on special. Please note that the plants are in 12cm pots and are flowering size plants. However, the plants are currently not in flower.

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