My first cattleya

[Dollythehun]

Well, how interesting to get this today. I bought a mini "Blue Hawaii" Monday. I was going to repot today. It's in good shape by all appearances. So, I will put it to soak in fish extract solution, move it up 1 pots size, clay with large bark, hang and resume watering, since I have roots? Leave the Ariel roots outside the new pot? I plan to go to the store for pots and accomplish my repotting this morning.

---------- Post added at 09:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:21 AM ----------

Leafmite, I resisted all those Phals and Catts but this little plant is just cute, even if it never flowers.

[Leafmite]

You will really love it. Lc. Mini Purple 'Blue Hawaii,' once established, is said to flower throughout the year, every time a growth matures. It is a really wonderful orchid. The flowers start out very 'blue' and then fade a bit. It is also fragrant. I rally love the blooms.
Another Cattleya you should try is Pot. Hawaiian Prominence `America' AM/AOS' which is currently featured in a post. It also blooms frequently, has a nice fragrance, stays small and is very pretty. Carmela Orchids has it on Amazon.

[Dollythehun]

Did my repotting plan agree with you?

[Leafmite]

I would bury the air roots as they will do better in our climate that way. I pot with dry medium and do not water a couple of days to give the roots a chance to heal. That or a fungicide works to prevent the old roots from rotting if they have been injured in any way during the process.

When I first started growing orchids, I used bark that was not of the best quality and my Cattleyas would always be happy until about February. That was when the medium deteriorated to the point where the roots would rot. So, for a couple of years, until I switched to red lava rock, I would need to stake my rootless Cattleyas each spring.... And that is why I do not worry too much about rootless Cattleyas. :|

I need to go get my new Angraecum soaking now.

[Dollythehun]

I have good quality bark, but time got away from me and I'll have to do it tomorrow. The roots are through the bottom of the pot so I'm sure I'll break more than the trip home did. So good to know. Plus I wasn't able to find the pot I wanted...Of course.

[Leafmite]

It is really difficult not to break roots when removing the orchid from the pot and bark. If I see roots coming from the bottom of the pot, I cut the pot away from the roots. If you lose most of the roots, it will not matter too much. The main Cattleya growing season is upon us. No matter how badly you do, it should recover just fine once it sets new growth. Good luck!

[Cheddarbob14]

Pot. Love Passion 'Orange Bird'

[Dollythehun]

Very pretty Cheddarbob! (I just love to type your screen name. It reminds me of my dear friend Teddy Bob).

[Leafmite]

Originally Posted by Cheddarbob14

Pot. Love Passion 'Orange Bird'

Oh, that is a beautiful one! Wow!
Is it fragrant? I have been looking for a fragrant orange Cattleya. I did buy a Pot. Marlene Lundquist' Orange Delight' seedling but a brilliant orange like that....

[Cheddarbob14]

It definitely had a sweet smell to it when I first got it about 2 weeks ago. Not so much now, maybe a combination of the change in environment, the repotting, etc.. Will see when I get her to bloom on my own.