Less Finicky Catts

[sadie]

Just curious -- are there catts that are easier to grow than others? I know, for example that some of the phrags are easier to grow than others based on the species in their background. Is it the same with catts? I have a general understanding that Cattelya includes a variety of genera: brassavola, laelia, potinar, sophrolaeliocattleya etc etc, but I don't really know much about the species/ genera themselves. So calling all catt-masters . . .

[Piper]

Generally speaking, more heavily hybridized orchids tend to be less fussy. Fussiness generally comes at the species level - some to more degrees than others.

If you're shopping for Catts, unless you're looking at species, you're looking at heavily hybridized for the most part.

Mini and compact Catts can deliver a lot of color and splash in a smaller plant; but if you want that full-on gorgeous coursage orchid, you'll need a full size Catt. They're big, and they need high light. But I don't know any Catt grower that regrets having them!

McJulie

[smartie2000]

On a windowsill go for the heavily bred mini and compact catts. They are not demanding and require less light.

[Diane]

If you want to try catts and don't want to spend a lot of money getting the hang of them, go for a couple of these:

Any Richard Mueller cross (ie Bl. Yellow Bird, Golden Glory. Copper Queen)

Pot. Little Toshie (many different cultivars)

Ctna Why Not (many different cultivars)

Mine bloom several times a year growing under flourescent lights.

[bench72]

If you want to try out some of the species... I have found the following Laelia species are generally more tolerant of temperatures and low humidity, you do need to give them a fair amount of light, in fact they an pretty much withstand full sun (except for the hottest midday sun):-

Laelia anceps

Laelia gouldiana

Laelia purpurata

[sadie]

Excellent suggestions all -- thank you. I'll probably see how the two new babies do. Hopefully I have enough light for them. But it never hurts to look ahead and dream of catts to come!