How to Care for Sophrolaeliocattleya Orchids

Sophrolaeliocattleya orchids are a hybrid cross between Sophronitis, Laelia, and Cattleya orchids. Abbreviated Slc, Sophrolaeliocattleya orchids are very manageable as house plants. Read below for some basic Sophrolaeliocattleya care tips.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunlight
• Water
• Fertilizer
• Bark Potting Medium

1. LIGHT: Sophrolaeliocattleya orchids prefer medium bright light. If placed outside, these orchids should be shaded from the sun.

2. WATER: Sophrolaeliocattleya orchids prefer to dry out mostly between waterings. When in doubt, don’t water! Also try not to use softened water.

3. FERTILIZER: A balanced fertilizer is ideal (equal parts of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium) but it is also okay to use a Nitrogen rich fertilizer during non-blooming months and a Phosphorus rich fertilizer to encourage blooming. It is best to give the orchid one watering with fertilizer and the next watering without in order to give the plant a break.

4. POTTING MEDIUM: Sophrolaeliocattleya orchids should be potted in fir bark. It is best to wait until the plant is literally climbing out of the pot before you attempt to repot it.

5. BLOOMING: Sophrolaeliocattleya orchid hybrid blooms vary significantly. Flowers last a few weeks. To give the plant a better chance for reblooming, be sure it is warm enough (70 degrees or higher). You might want to set it outside in the summer to take advantage of warmer temperatures.

[sunshine11219]

on 1/29/2009 good tips