Description ] �� Cattleya Orchid Care — AlansGarden Guide Cattleyas are known as the “Queen of Orchids,” loved for their large, colorful, and fragrant blooms. They thrive with bright light, good airflow, and moderate watering. ☀️ Light Bright indirect to partial direct light is essential. Ideal: 40–60% shade outdoors in Kerala. Leaves should be light green — dark green means not enough light. Flowering depends heavily on light. �� Watering Water every 4–6 days, letting the potting mix dry almost completely. In rainy/cool months: reduce watering. Avoid water sitting on new growths; it leads to rot. Watering Tip: Lift the pot — if it feels very light, it’s time to water. ��️ Temperature & Humidity Ideal temperature: 18–30°C Humidity: 50–70% Needs good airflow; Cattleyas dislike stagnant, humid air. �� Potting Mix Use a fast-draining, airy mix: Medium/large orchid bark Charcoal A bit of perlite Clay/coconut-chip mix (optional) Best pots:Clay pots, net pots, or orchid pots. Repot every 2 years or when the mix decays. ✂️ Fertilizer Feed lightly but consistently: NPK 20-20-20 every 10–12 days (1/4 strength) During blooming season: Bloom Booster 10-30-20 every 15 days Flush with plain water once a month to avoid salt buildup. �� Blooming Tips Cattleyas bloom once or twice a year if conditions are right. To encourage flowering: Give strong bright light Maintain slight night temperature drop Ensure plant gets short dry periods between watering Do not repot when buds are forming Blooms last 1–4 weeks depending on variety. ⚠️ Common Problems No blooms Not enough light. Shriveled pseudobulbs Underwatering or root damage. Rot on new shoots Caused by water sitting inside the sheath. Yellow leaves Too much direct sun or old leaf naturally shedding. �� Quick Summary for AlansGarden Care Aspect Requirement Light Bright, 40–60% shade Water Every 4–6 days Mix Bark charcoal perlite Humidity 50–70% Fertilizer Weekly weak feed Blooming Good light slight dry period
