Introduction
The genus Cattleya includes orchid species commonly found in the horticultural trade, both as cut flowers traditionally worn in corsages in their exotic countries of origin, as well as potted plants, which delight collectors with their high diversity of shapes, colors, and scents.
Cattleya is a genus native to Central and South America. The plants are epiphytic, meaning they grow naturally on trees, although they can sometimes be found on rocks and scree. Cattleya species and hybrids are generally commercially available year-round, with peak production in spring and autumn.
Considered by enthusiasts as the queens of orchids, Cattleya species and hybrids are favored by collectors and growers for their spectacular colors, large to very large flowers, or, conversely, medium-sized flowers that form abundant floral clusters, and for their intense fragrance, making them probably one of the most widely cultivated genera worldwide. Known for their long lifespan, Cattleya specimens can live up to 20–30 years, reaching impressive sizes if the necessary conditions are met.
The history of the name Cattleya
This genus is named after the British botanist William Cattley, who in 1818 received a shipment of Cattleya specimens from Brazil. Impressed by the plants' appearance, Cattley cultivated a few specimens in his greenhouse, and they bloomed in November of the same year, astonishing collectors with the beauty of the flowers. Three years later, taxonomist John Lindley, tasked with continuing Sir Joseph Banks' work in cataloging, describing, and classifying Cattley’s botanical collection, dedicated the genus to his patron by describing the first species, Cattleya labiata, immortalizing his name as the first European to cultivate a Cattleya species.
Unifoliate vs bifoliate species
The species of the genus Cattleya are divided anatomically by leaf type into two categories:
Unifoliate species
Each pseudobulb has a single leaf inserted apically, usually bearing 1–6 flowers per inflorescence, which are large, very colorful, and generally fragrant. Examples of unifoliate species: Cattleya Eldorado, gaskelliana, labiata, lueddemanniana, mendelii, mossiae, percivaliana, schroederae, trianaei, warscewiczii.
The unifoliate species group includes plants with stems 8 – 30 cm long, thick, dark green, flexible, about 30 cm in length and up to 7 cm thick. Flowers can be large, up to 25 cm in diameter. Cattleya labiata and trianaei species are the most common in this group, with many subtypes. As in any field, there are exceptions, such as Cattleya luteola, which, although part of the unifoliate group, has small stems and flowers.
Bifoliate species
They have 2 – 3 leaves arranged apically on pseudobulbs, distinguished by the small size of the flowers, which cluster in bunches. Representative species for this group include Cattleya aclandiae, amethystoglossa, aurantiaca, bowringiana, harrisoniana, intermedia, leopoldii, schilleriana, skinneri, walkeriana. The stems of plants in this group are smaller but considerably tall, with an average height of about 60 cm, though they can exceptionally reach up to 150 cm. The leaves are also small, about 20 cm long. Inflorescences emerge from green pods located between the leaves in an apical position and can have up to 15 small flowers, approximately 10 – 15 cm in diameter, with relatively elongated petals. The most common species in the bifoliate group are Cattleya skinneri and hardyana. Cattleya skinneri was classified by Bateman and named in honor of the explorer and botanist George Ure Skinner.
Growth temperature
Growth temperature is an important factor for Cattleya species, as it directly affects plant growth. Low temperatures will slow development, while high temperatures will accelerate it. The genus prefers night temperatures of 21 – 22°C and daytime temperatures up to 29°C.
Humidity
Typical humidity is ideally low for the Cattleya genus compared to other orchid genera, needing to be between 35 – 60% during the day and 60 – 80% at night (when it generally increases naturally). In cases of high humidity levels, the leaves and roots absorb water from the air, allowing the plants to grow and produce more resilient flowers, also helping to reduce the abortion rate of flower buds during the hot and dry season.
Light radiation intensity
Ideal light intensity conditions are important because they contribute essentially to the intensity of photosynthesis, which facilitates nutrient and water assimilation and, consequently, plant growth. Species of this genus prefer strong natural light, with some species even tolerating direct sunlight. They can also be grown outdoors during warm periods. Excess light can be identified by yellowing leaves, while insufficient light intensity will produce dark green leaves. Some species do not bloom or bloom poorly without adequate light exposure.
Watering frequency
Cattleya requires allowing the roots to dry before new watering. The ideal watering interval is about one week between two successive waterings, but this is strongly influenced by air humidity, light intensity, and temperature. Ideally, observe the pseudobulbs: if they are wrinkled, watering can be done; if they are swollen and smooth, the plants have enough water, and watering can be postponed.
Fertilizations
Fertilizations should be done more frequently and abundantly than for species in the Paphiopedilum and Phalaenopsis genera, as the growth rate of Cattleya is more intense. It is recommended to use fertilizers with the formula 20-20-20 or 20-10-20 throughout the year, but a fertilizer with the formula 10-30-30 during the flowering season. The fertilizer concentration will be 25 – 50% of the value indicated by the manufacturer, and the frequency will be weekly, but watch for leaf tip burns, which indicate excess fertilizer. In this case, rinse the substrate thoroughly and apply the next fertilization after 2 weeks.
Cattleya species can bloom throughout the year, as long as continuous new growth is ensured. For each new growth, new flowers can be expected within about 3 months, provided that growth and development conditions are consistently and effectively maintained.
Repotting
Repotting should mainly be done in spring and summer, when new growth develops both in pseudobulbs and roots. The species are successfully grown either in large bark pieces, possibly mixed with sphagnum. The growing medium generally contains 10% pumice stone, ceramic balls, or charcoal to ensure ventilation, with the rest of the mix composed of large/medium pine bark and sphagnum moss.
See the dedicated substrate for Cattleya
Propagation and multiplication
Cattleya multiplies most easily by dividing the pseudobulbs. For a healthy division, it is recommended that each new portion has at least 3–4 mature pseudobulbs and healthy roots. Cutting should be done with a sterilized tool.
“Dormant” buds can be stimulated by applying keiki paste. Division is preferably done in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Why doesn’t Cattleya flower?
The most common reasons why Cattleya does not flower are:
- Insufficient or too weak light
- Lack of temperature difference between day and night
- Plant too young or recently divided
- Incorrect fertilization (excess nitrogen or lack of phosphorus during growth)
- Stress caused by recent repotting, moving, or unstable conditions
To stimulate flowering, provide strong filtered light, a clear day/night temperature difference, and a phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the active growth period.
Diseases and pests
Cattleya can be affected by:
- Bacterial and fungal rot – usually appears from overwatering or stagnant air.
- Aphids, mites, and thrips – gather on the underside of leaves and flower stems.
- Fungal spots on leaves and pseudobulbs.
Prevention is the most important: proper watering, good ventilation, and preventive treatments applied to newly acquired plants.
Outdoor cultivation in summer
Cattleya varieties can be kept outdoors during the warm period (May–September), provided they receive filtered light and protection from direct rain and strong wind. Growth is usually more vigorous, and flowering better. In autumn, plants should be brought back indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 15–16°C.
Signs of stress
Main signs that the plant is suffering:
- Persistently wrinkled pseudobulbs
- Yellowed leaves or leaves covered with spots
- Buds falling off before opening
- Lack of new growth for a long period
Choosing the pot
Cattleya prefers containers that allow good root aeration. The most suitable are transparent pots with good drainage, baskets, or mounting on plaques. Avoid pots that are too large – the plant prefers to be slightly cramped.
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