Quote:
Originally Posted by lexusnexus
I am getting competent in growing phals, and just learning paphs. I've learned how to water and feed, and to adjust the light for them. I am considering getting a catt. From what I've read, and I have absolutely no experience with them, they require bright light. The main window in my condo generally faces southwest. Which means I get strong sunlight for 6-7 hours per day. Is that enough for a catt? I can move the phals ad paphs to a different position so they don't get direct sunlight.
Thanks...
|
I grew Phals for many years before I got brave enough to try a Cattleya, one of the Bryce Canyon hybrids. It is a compact plant with big, fragrant flowers, and although they don't last as long, Catts are very rewarding to grow. My plant has consistently bloomed in the fall and winter. I use a shaded southern exposure (facing a covered deck), and on some hot summer days partially close the curtains as the afternoon sun is pretty intense. Western exposure and that many hours of sun might burn your plants unless you use a sheer curtain or provided some type of shading. For care, what I do is bump up the water and fertilizer during active growth and then let my plant go dry before watering again when it is resting. You can do a grow light set up as well if you find that the windowsill is too bright/hot. Your potting medium will be different with Catts. My plant was potted in lava rock and when I potted up I used a coarse fir bark mixture. When you plant develops several pseudobulbs it will need to be divided. My thoughts on Catts are that they are not hard, just different. They do need bright light, but you will need to experiment to see what works best for your plant. You know the basics from growing Phals, so worst case scenario is that the plants will not bloom until you figure things out. Our local stores almost exclusively sell Phals but I just ordered 2 more Cattleyas from a local specialty grower, I'm excited to get them. Good luck and happy growing. :-)
Linear Mode
