Description �� Cattleya Orchid Care — Alan’s Garden Guide Cattleya orchids are famous for their fragrant, large, colourful blooms. They are easier than Vandas and need bright light moderate watering. ☀️ Light Requirements Needs bright, indirect sunlight. Can tolerate light morning sun, but avoid harsh midday sun. Ideal location: bright verandas, east-facing windows, polyhouse with shade net (50%). Leaf colour guide: Light green = perfect Dark green = needs more light Yellow/burn patches = too much direct sun ��️ Temperature Day: 22–30°C Night: 15–20°C Cattleyas like temperature drops at night, which helps flowering. �� Watering Cattleyas have pseudobulbs that store water. Water every 3–4 days in normal weather. In summer: every 2–3 days In monsoon/cool weather: 5–6 days or only when media is dry. Rule:�� Allow the medium to dry 80% before watering again. Overwatering will cause pseudobulb rot. �� Humidity Needs 50–70% humidity. Mist plants lightly in hot weather (avoid misting at night to prevent fungus). Good airflow is very important. �� Potting Mix Cattleyas prefer fast-draining medium: ✔️ Medium – large orchid bark✔️ Charcoal pieces✔️ Broken clay pot chips✔️ Perlite (optional) Best pot: Clay pot or slatted basket. Repot every 2 years or when medium breaks down. �� Fertilizing Feed lightly but regularly: Balanced NPK 20-20-20 → Weekly Bloom booster (10-30-20) → Twice a month during spike formation Flush with plain water once every month to avoid salt build-up. �� Flowering Tips Needs bright light – most important! Night temperature drop triggers blooms. Avoid repotting when the plant is preparing to flower. Keep plant slightly root-bound for better flowering. �� Pests & Issues Mealybugs / aphids Remove manually spray neem oil weekly. Black rot / pseudobulb rot Caused by overwatering. Cut rotten parts apply fungicide (mancozeb/copper). Leaf spots Improve airflow avoid wetting leaves at nigh
