Cattleya Orchid – How to Grow the World’s Favorite Orchid Plant

Most gardeners visibly cringe at the mere mention of orchids, but the truth is, orchids are an air plant that grow wild in nature with very few demands. Before mass poaching, orchid plants could be found growing like weeds throughout the world’s tropical climate regions. Learning to grow them at home can be an exciting and easy going experience.

How to Choose a Cattleya Orchid

Initially cattleyas may be a bit intimidating, but many orchid enthusiasts find cattleyas very gratifying and they really aren’t that hard to grow. The most important concept behind successful orchid cultivating is; less is more. Cattleyas thrive with very little help (or interference) from growers. Cattleyas come in a very wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes and more hybrids are created every year. Orchid growers everywhere consider cattleyas the “Queen” of the orchids for their extravagant and breath taking blooms.

When deciding on which cattleya to choose, think about local nurseries. It is best to visit a nursery that has experience with orchids, as that is where to find the heartiest, most prolific plants. Retail store orchids are mass produced and do not carry strong breeding roots. Purchasing an orchid from a specialist also guarantees their expertise in the future.

Also, the local branch of the “orchid society” hosts a wonderful group of people who can be very helpful. Most successful orchid growers are almost always willing and happy to share their experiences.

Common Cattleyas Orchids

Orchids are classified into the orchidaceae family and, as per the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, are given a genus and species name. Orchid plants are a little different from other plant classifications because of the many hybrids. Each new cultivar is assigned an individual hybrid name, usually by the grower who developed it. Some of the more common cattleyas that have long ancestries are:

• Cattleya speciosissima – this flower is commonly in the purple range, about eight inches across, with many blooms on the plant.
• Cattleya mossiae – Blooms April-May and is extremely varied in colors and size. Flower is 6-8 inches across.
• Cattleya labiata – this class of cattleya offers an abundance of choices, the ‘Goliath” being a favorite. Its plant flowers in fall, hosts 5-6 blooms that are roughly 6 inches across.

Orchids are warm climate plants, but some growers create a suitable environment for them in the north. It is strongly recommended to get an orchid guide that explains orchid basics, but remember when it comes to orchids, keep it simple. Orchids like very little water, seasonal feeding, and specialized pots and medium. Other than that, they grow themselves.

The American Orchid Society (AOS) has an advice website, that offers free membership and other really good information for those beginning their journey into the world of orchids. There are often local orchid societies that are fun, informative and offer orchid fellowship. Once a grower is hooked, and they will be, orchids offer gardeners endless excitement and a hobby that is rich with passion.

Sources include:

Banks, David P., Orchid Growers Companion, Timber Press, Portland (2009)

American Orchid Society (accessed 2 Jul 2010) Web