If you’re looking for a truly special orchid that combines striking looks with a wonderful scent, look no further. The cattleya aclandiae is an exotic orchid with fragrance that captivates both new growers and seasoned collectors.
This compact Brazilian species is known for its resilience and stunning blooms. Its flowers are a work of art, with olive-green petals spotted in maroon and a rich purple lip. Best of all, it fills a room with a sweet, lemony-rose perfume. This guide will help you successfully grow and enjoy this remarkable plant.
Cattleya Aclandiae
This orchid is native to the Bahia region of Brazil. It grows on tree branches in warm, coastal forests. Unlike some fussy orchids, Cattleya aclandiae is quite adaptable. It’s a great choice if you want a fragrant orchid that doesn’t demand constant attention.
Its growth habit is sympodial, meaning it spreads horizontally by producing new growths from a rhizome. Each pseudobulb is short and stout, topped with one or two thick, leathery leaves. The flowers emerge from a short sheath at the top of the newest, mature pseudobulb.
Why Choose This Orchid?
There are several compelling reasons to add this plant to your collection:
- Fragrance: The scent is strong and delightful, especially in the morning.
- Compact Size: It doesn’t take up much space, perfect for windowsills.
- Long-lasting Blooms: Each flower can remain open for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Summer Bloomer: It typically flowers in late spring or summer, adding color when many other orchids are resting.
Perfect Light Conditions
Light is the most important factor for getting your Cattleya aclandiae to bloom. It needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Think of the dappled light it would recieve under a forest canopy.
An east-facing window is often ideal. A south or west window can work too, but you may need to diffuse the harsh afternoon sun with a sheer curtain. Signs of good light include:
- Leaf color is a light, grassy green (not dark green or yellowish).
- The plant produces firm, upright pseudobulbs.
- It flowers regularly each season.
If the leaves turn a reddish color, it’s getting to much direct sun and may scorch. If the pseudobulbs become long and skinny, it needs more light.
Watering and Humidity Needs
This orchid likes to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common mistake that leads to root rot. The frequency depends on your climate, pot, and medium.
A good rule is to water thoroughly when the potting medium is nearly dry. You can check by sticking your finger about an inch into the mix. In warmer months, this might be once a week. In cooler, darker months, it could be every 10-14 days.
Humidity should be moderate to high, ideally between 50-70%. You can increase humidity by:
- Placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
- Using a room humidifier nearby.
- Grouping it with other plants.
Always ensure good air movement around the plant to prevent fungal issues. A small oscillating fan on low setting helps alot.
Potting Mix and Repotting Steps
Cattleya aclandiae needs a fast-draining, chunky potting mix. It’s usually grown in medium-grade fir bark, but you can mix in other materials. A common recipe is:
- 4 parts fir bark
- 1 part horticultural charcoal
- 1 part perlite or sponge rock
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the medium breaks down and becomes soggy. The best time is just after flowering, or when you see new roots starting to form (these look like green tips). Here’s how to do it:
- Gently remove the plant from its old pot, teasing away the old medium.
- Trim any dead, mushy, or blackened roots with sterilized scissors.
- Choose a pot that allows for 2-3 years of new growth. Cattleyas like to be snug.
- Place the plant in the pot with the oldest pseudobulbs against the edge, so the new growth has room to expand into the center.
- Hold the plant in place and fill in around the roots with new mix, tapping the pot to settle it.
- Wait a week before watering to let any root cuts heal.
Fertilizing for Strong Growth
Feed your orchid regularly during its active growth period. Use a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20). A popular method is to “feed weakly, weekly.”
This means diluting the fertilizer to 1/4 or 1/2 the recommended strength and applying it every time you water during the growing season. Flush the pot with plain water once a month to prevent salt buildup from the fertilizer. Reduce feeding in the late fall and winter when growth slows.
Encouraging Blooms
If your plant is healthy but not blooming, the issue is usually light. Ensure it’s getting enough bright, indirect sunlight. A slight drop in nighttime temperature in the fall can also help initiate flower spikes.
Once a flower sheath appears, be careful not to overwater. Getting water inside the sheath can cause the developing buds to rot. The buds will swell inside the sheath for several weeks before emerging and opening.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even experienced growers encounter issues. Here’s how to handle common ones:
- No Flowers: Increase light exposure. Review your fertilizing schedule.
- Yellowing Leaves: Could be normal aging of an old leaf, or a sign of overwatering or too much direct sun.
- Wrinkled Pseudobulbs: Usually indicates underwatering, or that the roots have died from overwatering and can’t take up moisture.
- Brown Leaf Tips: Often caused by low humidity or a buildup of fertilizer salts.
- Pests: Watch for scale or mealybugs. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, wiping pests of with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Propagating Your Plant
You can propagate Cattleya aclandiae by division when you repot. Each division should have at least 3-4 mature pseudobulbs with a visible “eye” or growth node for new leads. This ensures the new piece has enough energy stored to recover and grow.
Use a sterile knife to cut the rhizome between pseudobulbs. Dust the cuts with cinnamon or a fungicide powder. Pot each division separately and care for them as you would a mature plant, keeping them slightly more humid while they establish.
FAQ Section
How often does the Cattleya aclandiae orchid bloom?
It typically blooms once per year, in late spring or summer. A very healthy, mature plant might sometimes produce a second, smaller flush of blooms.
What does the fragrance of the Cattleya aclandiae smell like?
The scent is often described as a sweet, citrusy rose with lemony notes. It’s strongest in the morning and can fill a small room.
Is this a good orchid for beginners?
Yes, its relatively forgiving nature and compact size make it an excellent choice for beginners interested in cattleyas.
Can I grow this fragrant orchid outdoors?
In warm, frost-free climates (USDA zones 10+), you can grow it on a shaded tree or in a protected patio. Elsewhere, it’s best as an indoor or greenhouse plant.
Why are the leaves on my Cattleya aclandiae turning dark green?
Dark green leaves often signal too little light. Move the plant to a brighter location to encourage future flowering.
How big does this exotic orchid get?
It remains compact. A mature plant might spread to about 12 inches wide, with pseudobulbs reaching 4-6 inches tall.
Cattleya aclandiae is a rewarding plant that offers a spectacular sensory experience. With its manageable size, beautiful spotted flowers, and intoxicating perfume, it’s a treasure for any plant lover. By providing the right balance of light, water, and care, you’ll be able to enjoy its unique beauty for many years to come. The key is to observe your plant closely and adjust your care based on its responses.