How to Grow Cattleya Orchids

Cattleya orchids are among the more common orchids. Although this type of orchid is an air plant, that doesn't mean it lives on air and nothing else. To enjoy the full beauty of a cattleya orchid, you need to brush up on proper orchid care for this species.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Pot the cattleya orchid in a soil medium that drains quickly. Remember, these are air plants so you need a medium that allows the roots to dry out and get air between watering times. For good cattleya orchid care, don't let the roots stay wet too long.

2. Water the cattleya regularly, but let the roots dry out between watering.

3. Provide humidity for a cattleya orchid. These plants originated in rain forests, so adequate humidity is important to proper cattleya orchid care. Keep the relative humidity between 50 and 80 percent. Misting as part of the orchid care helps with humidity.

4. Allow the orchid to get plenty of bright light, but shield it from intense light. Midday and summer sun can be too intense for a cattleya orchid.

5. Feed a cattleya orchid regularly to provide it with consistent orchid care. Fertilize every other week during the growth season and cut back to once a month when the plant stops blooming.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure the water level near the center of pot, not on the surface. Use a skewer or your finger to check the dampness of the soil near the center. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water.
• Look at the color of your orchid's leaves to tell if it's getting the right amount of sun. You want to go for a medium green color. If the leaves are light green tending toward yellow, your orchid gets too much sun. If they are dark green, it's getting too little.