Cattleya mossiae care

[Spartan orchid]

Hello,

I am just about to purchase a seedling Cattleya mossiae for my collection.

I grow my plants under a 400 watt (58,000 Lumen) HPS grow lamp which provides the perfect conditions for about 20 Phalaenopsis hybrids and about 6 Cattleya hybrids as well as a collection of rare monstera and some Calathea

What is the difference in care of cattleya hybrids which I know I have conditions to grow (because they are growing) and the species which I will be purchasing on the weekend

My room is about 70% humidity during the day

the teperature is around 85F (summer) 75 F (winter) hottest and 70F (summer) 65 F (winter) coolest depending on the seasons

[mab3362]

If the hybrid cattleyas will bloom under those conditions, then the mossiae may. I grow mine outside in a shadehouse in Texas and get great blooming. Also, just because they grow, doesn't mean they will bloom. I kind of have my doubts if that will be enough light, but sometimes you never know.


If you could summer it outdoors it would probably do better, it will make stronger growths and subsequent better flowers.

[Spartan orchid]

my current cattleyas are in bloom

[mab3362]

Well, then your probably good to go with the mossiae. I would think this species should be ok, however cattleya warscewiczii, lawrenceana, dowiana may need more light. Good luck and post a pic when it blooms!

[Spartan orchid]

thank you I will