Best pots and medium for cattleyas

[tucker85]

I grow a lot of Cattleyas. But I grow outdoors in south Florida so you may want advice from someone who grows in an environment more like yours. I use unglazed clay orchid pots. The Home Depot near me carries a 5" clay orchid pot that I really like for many of my catts. Clay pots are heavy so they don't tip over as easily and the the medium dries fast. I use Hydroton as my medium. I use it alone or I sometimes mix it with charcoal and tree fern fiber. I let my Cattleyas get very dry between waterings but they are in a humid environment here in south Florida so that helps. When I do water, I water several times a few minutes apart to make sure I get everything good and wet. During the growing season I give a lot more water with an occasional dry spell.

[Cinderella]

Originally Posted by tucker85

I grow a lot of Cattleyas. But I grow outdoors in south Florida so you may want advice from someone who grows in an environment more like yours. I use unglazed clay orchid pots. The Home Depot near me carries a 5" clay orchid pot that I really like for many of my catts. Clay pots are heavy so they don't tip over as easily and the the medium dries fast. I use Hydroton as my medium. I use it alone or I sometimes mix it with charcoal and tree fern fiber. I let my Cattleyas get very dry between waterings but they are in a humid environment here in south Florida so that helps. When I do water, I water several times a few minutes apart to make sure I get everything good and wet. During the growing season I give a lot more water with an occasional dry spell.

Hi,
Yes, I believe we are at the opposites of the world with hot Florida and cold Colorado. My livingroom has passive solar so it gets quite warm even in there with a woodstove. I like the 5 in. pots too with my other variety of orchids. I also know exactly what you mean about the clay having an edge with steading the plant. I often wondered how top heavy orchids do in a light plastic pot. Thank you for your expertise.