how to take care for my C. walkeriana

[samar]

i would like to know how do i take care for my new C. walkeriana,watering conditions,soil??
thanks

[sbrofio]

bump (and following)

[Leafmite]

I have been growing my C. walkeriana in a plastic Vanda basket and red lava rock, with eggshells mixed in for extra calcium. I water it when I water my other Cattleyas which is typically twice a week during the winter and variable during the summer when they are outside. Currently it is under T5HO lights and, outside, it gets direct light in the morning and late afternoon.
I have not bloomed this one yet as it was a seedling but I am hoping for the first bloom in the next twelve months.

[silken]

Their roots like to dry out quickly so Leafmite's method might work for you, or mounted, or in a small pot with chunky bark. But don't let it stay wet in between watering. Pretty much general Cattleya care except do not over water for sure and have good air and drainage holes if you use a pot. A clear pot would be best as roots do photosynthesize.

[samar]

Thanks all for your feedback . Another question, has any one tried hydroponic rocks instead of bark mix for orchids ?

[RandomGemini]

Sure, many people grow their orchids this way. I don't. I use chunky bark in a pot for my cattleyas and water them when I think about it. I don't water mine as often as Leafmite does.

[Ferns Daddy]

I've been growing mine in a Vanda basket with a mix of red lava rock and chunky bark and water it when its all most dry or a about twice a week.

[samar]

Thanks all of you for your reply

[Leafmite]

I have been using LECA for some of my Cattleyas lately. I have C. var. dolosa and a C. Mini Purple in it and they are doing really well. Both of those are walkeriana hybrids.

[samar]

Leafmite
Do you put leca in a plastic clear pot or in a glass ? Which is the best ? They were saying that clear perforated pot are better for air circulation and at the same time if you put them in glass you can leave some water in the bottom .