blc. Lois McNeil Hilo

[nebula_34]

I received two of these in 1 1/2 inch pots for Christmas as stocking stuffers. I have no experience with cattelyas so any suggestions are appreciated. They are hanging out with my phals in a west facing window that gets diffused light most of the day. I believe they are a miniature cat. Species.
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[Tmai]

Adam, as a general rule catts like very bright light (more than phals), and less water than phals. Good luck with your first catts!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Following up with what Tami posted: They will need a different type of watering schedule than your phals. Phals do not want to every dry completely out since they do not have psudobulbs to retain water. Cattleyas on the other hand do need to dry out between waterings. Also, as noted by Tami, cattleya type orchids require much brighter light and levels to grow and bloom properly. Phal light might grow the cattleya, but it will not allow it to bloom. Since these are so small, I would guess that they are yet seedlings and will need to be repotted. When the time comes, be sure to pot them tightly in a free draining mix. They like to be root bound a bit but require their roots to dry out between being watered.

Cheers,
BD

[nebula_34]

Thank you both for your insightful responses. I think I'll move them to the window where I have my cymbiduim (SE facing), and water less frequently. Bruce, do you think a 4 inch pot is too big?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

T..... Bruce, do you think a 4 inch pot is too big?

You would need to post a photo for me to see how big they are now. Do not over pot or they will not dry out quickly enough and will end up with root rot.

Cheers,
BD

[nebula_34]

It's always good to know WHY we do these things. I've heard many times not to overpot certain orchids, but that's the first reason why that I've heard - so thank you! I may have overpotted them, since I recently (2 weeks ago-ish) put them both in 3 1/2 or 4 inch circular pots. I think one of them may need to be moved down to a smaller pot size. I'll try to get some shots on here though.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

......I may have overpotted them, since I recently (2 weeks ago-ish) put them both in 3 1/2 or 4 inch circular pots. I think one of them may need to be moved down to a smaller pot size. I'll try to get some shots on here though.

Yes, that is the best way to get accurate advice based on your orchid plant.

Cheers,
BD

[nebula_34]

Bruce, I found your article on repotting catt's and I felt confident enough to put them into 2 1/2 inch pots. The article was very helpful.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Bruce, I found your article on repotting catt's and I felt confident enough to put them into 2 1/2 inch pots. The article was very helpful.

I am so glad, Adam. Thanks for letting me know it helped.

Cheers,
BD