If you want a houseplant that offers both stunning looks and a wonderful scent, look no further than the cattleya orchid. Known for their exotic and fragrant blooms, these orchids are a classic favorite for good reason. Their large, ruffled flowers come in a rainbow of colors and can fill a room with their sweet perfume. While they have a reputation for being tricky, with the right knowledge, you can successfully grow them at home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from picking your first plant to getting it to rebloom year after year.
Cattleya Orchid – Exotic and Fragrant Blooms
Cattleyas are often called the “Queen of Orchids.” Their blooms are iconic, featuring a large lip and intricate petal patterns. The fragrance is a major draw, ranging from sweet and floral to spicy or citrusy. Each variety is a little different, making them a joy to collect. Understanding their basic needs is the first step to keeping them thriving.
Choosing Your First Cattleya
Start with a healthy plant. Here’s what to look for:
- Foliage: Leaves should be firm, green, and free of spots or streaks. Avoid plants with yellowing or limp leaves.
- Pseudobulbs: These are the swollen stem bases that store water. They should be plump and firm, not shriveled.
- Roots: If possible, check the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or green with green tips. Brown, mushy roots mean trouble.
- Bloom History: Buying a plant in bloom ensures you like its color and smell. But a plant with a spent flower spike but healthy growth is also a great choice.
The Perfect Light: Bright but Indirect
Light is the most critical factor for getting your cattleya to flower. They need abundant light, but direct summer sun can scorch their leaves.
- Ideal Location: An east-facing window is perfect. A south or west window works if you use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
- Leaf Color Test: The leaves tell you everything. Aim for a light, grassy green. Dark green leaves mean not enough light. Yellowish or reddish leaves signal too much direct sun.
- Artificial Light: If natural light is low, use LED grow lights for 12-14 hours a day placed about 12 inches above the plant.
Watering and Humidity: A Careful Balance
Overwatering is the fastest way to lose an orchid. Cattleyas like to dry out between waterings.
- Check the potting media. For most mixes, water only when it feels nearly dry to the touch.
- Water thoroughly until it runs freely from the drainage holes. This ensures all the roots get moisture.
- Let the pot drain completely. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of water, as this leads to root rot.
- Humidity should be between 50-70%. Use a humidity tray or a room humidifier, especially in winter.
Potting Mix and Repotting
Cattleyas are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees. They need a very airy, fast-draining mix.
- Common Mix: A blend of coarse fir bark, perlite, and horticultural charcoal is standard. Sphagnum moss can be added in small amounts for moisture retention.
- When to Repot: Repot every 2-3 years, or when the potting medium breaks down and becomes soggy. The best time is just as new roots begin to grow (often after flowering).
- Pot Choice: Clay or plastic pots with many drainage holes are fine. Clay dries out faster, which can be helpful if you tend to overwater.
Feeding for Fantastic Flowers
Regular feeding supports strong growth and those spectacular blooms.
- Use a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20) or one with a higher nitrogen content for growth (30-10-10).
- During active growth (spring and summer), fertilize “weekly, weakly.” This means using a quarter-strength dose every time you water.
- In fall and winter, reduce feeding to once a month or use a “bloom booster” fertilizer with higher phosphorus to encourage flower spikes.
Always water the plant with plain water first before applying fertilizer solution to avoid burning the delicate roots.
Encouraging Blooms
If your plant is healthy but not blooming, check these three things:
- Light: Insufficient light is the number one reason cattleyas refuse to bloom. Increase brightness gradually.
- Temperature Drop: Many cattleyas need a 10-15 degree drop between day and night temperatures in the fall to initiate flower spikes. Try placing them in a cooler room at night for a few weeks.
- Rest Period: After new pseudobulbs mature, some types benefit from a slight reduction in water and no fertilizer for a few weeks. This mimics a dry season and tells the plant it’s time to flower.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Yellowing Leaves
This can be natural aging of older leaves. If new leaves yellow, it’s often from too much sun or overwatering. Check your conditions and adjust.
No Flowers
As mentioned, more light is usually the answer. Also ensure your plant is getting it’s seasonal temperature variation and proper feeding.
Root Rot
Caused by soggy media. The plant may become unstable, and roots will be brown and soft. Unpot, cut away all rotten roots, and repot in fresh, dry mix. Water sparingly until new roots appear.
Pests
Watch for scale (bumpy brown spots), mealybugs (white cottony masses), and spider mites (fine webbing). Treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil, applied weekly until gone.
FAQ About Cattleya Orchids
How often do cattleya orchids bloom?
Most bloom once a year, and their flowers can last 3 to 6 weeks. Some hybrids may bloom twice.
Why are my cattleya’s leaves wrinkled?
Wrinkled leaves, especially on pseudobulbs, usually indicate underwatering or a loss of roots from rot. Check the root system health.
Can I grow cattleyas outdoors?
Yes, in warm, humid climates (USDA zones 10-12) or during summer in temperate zones. Place them in dappled shade, never in full sun, and bring them inside before temperatures drop below 50°F.
How do I propagate a cattleya?
The easiest method is division during repotting. Ensure each division has at least 3-4 mature pseudobulbs with viable roots. Use a sterile knife and dust cuts with cinnamon or a fungicide.
What’s the difference between a cattleya and a phalaenopsis orchid?
Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) have rounded flowers on arching spikes and are lower light plants. Cattleyas have larger, more complex blooms, need brighter light, and have prominent water-storing pseudobulbs.
Growing cattleya orchids is a rewarding hobby. Their exotic and fragrant blooms are a true testament to your care. Pay close attention to light and watering, be patient with their seasonal rhythms, and you’ll be greated with spectacular flowers. Start with a robust hybrid, and soon you’ll appreciate why these orchids have captivated growers for generations. The scent of a cattleya in bloom in your own home is an experience every plant lover should have.