Cattleya intermedia.. culture tips pls!

[Papheteer]

After seeing the many beautiful varieties of this species, I've been thinking of growing some. Does anyone here grow them? Culture tips pls! Do they need seasonal rests? Do they flower more than once per year? Are they ok with pot culture? How's the culture different with walkeriana? Hope to hear from you guys! Thanks!


ardenn

[Shaydra]

Well, I'm a bit of a rookie with orchids, but I've had 2 catts for about 4 yrs. 1 I got to bloom easily twice a year (before I repotted it into the wrong size and type of pot and root rotted the poor thing). The other is a relative of the walkeriana and hasn't bloomed since my mom got it (then gifted it to me a couple years ago). I think she might have a chance of blooming this year! I think she's a once a year bloomer?


Most catt's need a decent amount of light - I've been told east window is good, some can handle a south window as long as it's back a little ways. (Thanks, Clint ) Watering is about every 4-5 days for me in the summer, 6-7 days in winter. They like to dry out between waterings. Right now, I've got humidity around 40-45% and everyone seems pretty happy.

Most Catts are usually considered beginner orchids so they're fairly flexible in culture. Just make sure they're getting enough light and water regularly.


Now I have a baby paph. What works best for them?

[Papheteer]

I've only discovered recently that the most important factors in growing them are air circulation and humidity. I grew them in a room with airconditioning for the most part of the year and paid so much attention to light, water quality, feeding and potting mix and they grew ok. When i transferred them to a room that has 50-60% humidity, they grew very fast. There's a small fan open 24/7 too. They like moisture in the roots, constant but never saturated. They like bright shade. I grow them 4-8 inches under 4 40-watt fluorescent lights set up. And feed them weekly with MSU Ro/rain water formula everytime I water. I hope this helps!

Ardenn

PS: Any more tips from people that grow Cattleya intermedia???!

[clintdawley]

PS: Any more tips from people that grow Cattleya intermedia???!

These plants are fairly easy late spring/summer bloomers. I have one in Hydroton that is growing fine. Coarse bark is also fine as they are amenable to pot culture. As far as catt species go, this one is fairly easy--light short of burning, a 20 degree temp shift from night to day and healthy humidity. This plant would do just fine with your other catts (if you have any).

[Gin]

I have a large one , mine would not stay in the pot , I got tired of redoing it , now it is mounted all over the pot , it blooms off and on almost all year .
As the others said not hard to grow . The less it is distrubed the more blooms you will get Gin