Difference in care for Phalaenopsis vs Cattleya

[jasonmom]

I have had 4 Cattleya seedlings for about a month now. Got them off Lowes clearance wrack. Ended up having very little in way of roots as I found out when repotting them. They look exactly the same as when I got them - which I'm thrilled about. Afraid I would kill them immediately after purchase.

Well, I figured that they would be on sale right now. Only local places to get them is Lowes, Walmart, and Kroger (grocery store). I went to all three places. I wanted to get one in early bloom. No luck.

Kroger had not dropped prices and even though they ended up having the prettiest, best looking roots, of all three places - all of them were well into bloom with few buds. They had three @ 1/2 off, but they were all past bloom and didn't look that great.

Lowes 1/2 off was the same, and although they had a few that still had some buds, they just didn't look good. The leaves were all wrinkled and not much in way of visible roots.

Final stop Walmart. They didn't have very many, and none had much in way of buds. Some had 1/2 off and some didn't - couldn't tell why some didn't. I looked them all over and over trying to decide if one of them had flowers that might continue to bloom for awhile. I found one that I LOVED the flowers on. White around the outside with a bright purple middle. It was one of the ones that was 50% off so it was only $5. I was thinking, well, maybe, maybe, but it won't probably bloom for long and it will probably be a year till I see another (but remember I'm thrilled that I've kept my Cattleyas alive over the last month). THEN - I saw a few buds under the four flowers . THEN - I saw what I think is a new stem that is about 2" . HECK YEA I am going to buy this

I am going to try to figure out how to post pictures so I can post pictures and get your opinions. I'm super excited.

Sorry I've babbled on, but I'm thrilled to have a orchid in bloom in my house - even if I did have to buy it that way .

So when I got my Cattleyas I spent much time trying to learn how to take care of them. I will try to read up on the Phalaenopsis, but won't have much free time over the next few days. Is there anything specific I need to know right away to do different with the Phalaenopsis.

Am I right in that I should let the plant get no direct sunlight while in bloom?

Am I right in that I should not repot while in bloom?

Should I fertalize while in bloom?

[Orchidgirl83]

I would suggest you read the sticky in the Phal subsection called "the phal abuse ends here". There is a lot of good info there, and I think answers to most of your questions will be there. It is very long, but you only need to read the first 10 pages or so.

[WhiteRabbit]

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ng-photos.html

Phal care sheet: http://aos.org/Default.aspx?id=204

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

Low light is ok while the plant is blooming, but it can take some sun, and may surprise you with another spike, or more buds on the current spike, if it gets appropriate light.

Some Phals won't miss a beat getting repotted while in bloom, others may drop buds and blooms.
Yes, fertilize.

[Optimist]

Catts need more light, somewhat less humidity, well draining media, so the water is in and out (mine have done well potted in lava rock). They can stand lower and higher tempretures than phals. They seem to prefer clay pots.

Phals like indoor light, higher humidity, more water retention in their potting mix, prety steady tempreture range. They photosynthesize through the roots, so they like a clear pot.

Both need good air flow. Both can be kept in a house, though the Catts would like to be outside during warmer weather, and I believe they need it to bud.

phals originate from plants that live in more sheltered spots closer to the humidity of the forest floor. Catts originate high on trees where there is wind, rain, and a lot more sun.

Your dried shrivelled roots are really no problem. The plants will grow new with proper care. But I discovered as a newbie that getting a few nice blooming sized plants instead of just rescue plants really helps a beginner understand the true beauty of these plants. Catt seeblings are very small compared to a full sized plant. I hope you have a lot of room!

[james mickelso]

http://www.hrt.msu.edu/faculty/Runkl...sis_Part_2.pdf. Have a look at this website. I hope I copied this correctly. Not good at cornpewters. This is an excellent article on phal growing.

[jasonmom]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

http://www.hrt.msu.edu/faculty/Runkl...sis_Part_2.pdf. Have a look at this website. I hope I copied this correctly. Not good at cornpewters. This is an excellent article on phal growing.

Nice article. Thanks

[NYCorchidman]

They are both epiphytes, so the growing condition is very similar except cattleyas need much more light to grow and bloom well.

Cattleyas respond to photoperiod (changing day/night length), hence many bloom once a year while many hybrids may bloom about any time of the year whenever they mature new lead.
Phalaenopsis respond to slight drop in temperature as a que to bloom, but will not like it too cool.

As mentioned, keep phals warm year around.
Catts may take much cooler temperature but it is not needed.

I grow my cattleyas right up against sunny window without curtain. so far no burn.

My phals are about 3 ft away from the window, but they still get very bright light, just no direct sun except for brief exposure here and there throughout the day.
Some grow right up against the sunny window but with sheer curtain protecting them from the sun.