We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Cattleya Orchid?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Views: 8,482
Share

A Cattleya orchid is an orchid in the genus Cattleya, including orchids found in nature and hybrids produced by orchid growers searching for the perfect flower. This large and diverse orchid genus is one of the most famous, and when many people hear the word “orchid,” what comes to mind is often a Cattleya orchid, even if they aren't aware of it. While these orchids can be a bit finicky, they are relatively easy to care for, and they can be surprisingly durable and resilient; some of the first European specimens came from orchids used as packing material which were revived by gardeners!

Labiate Cattleya orchids have a single leaf and several large flowers, while bifolate orchids have two leaves, and a cluster of small flowers which grow in a bunch. Both types of Cattleya orchid come in a range of colors thanks to hybridization. These orchids are sometimes referred to as “corsage orchids,” reflecting the fact that they are ideally suited to making corsages and other flower arrangements.

This genus has over 40 species, native to Central and Southern America. Cattleya orchids prefer temperate to warm weather which forces people in areas outside the tropics to grow their orchids indoors or in a climate-controlled greenhouse. When grown indoors as houseplants, Cattleya orchids must be handled carefully and they will start to wither in cold weather or inadequate humidity.

Orchids are epiphytes, which means that they have adapted to grow out of the soil. It is important to use an appropriate potting medium for a Cattleya orchid, such as an orchid mix. Regular soil holds moisture too well, and can cause the roots to rot. The roots also need to be periodically broken up and repotted, frequently around every two years. Cattleya orchids also benefit from fertilization with an orchid food.

While people may think of the tropics as hot and sunny, the Cattleya orchids are actually adapted to live in bright, but indirect light, not full sun. Indoor growers must be careful to keep their plants out of sunny windows, using a grow light if indoor conditions are not bright enough. Outdoor growers should position their orchids carefully to ensure that they do not get too much direct light. These orchids also require humidity, which can be accomplished by growing in a greenhouse, using a humidifier in an area where orchids are grown, or periodically spraying the air around the orchids.

Signs that a Cattleya orchid is not doing well include yellowing, browning, or spotting of the leaves, failure to produce flowers, or obvious darkening and rotting of the stems. If the leaves get droopy or withered, this is also a sign that the orchid is unhappy.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-a-cattleya-orchid.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.