Cattleya - bare root

[RobinG]

Hi. Can a Cattleya be kept hanging bare root like a Vanda or do they definitely need a medium? (This would be outside in southern Florida)
Thanks for the info!

[Ray]

I'm sure they can be grown bare-root, but most plants will grow better once they are mechanically secure, through attachment to a substrate or container.

[RobinG]

Thanks, Ray. So it would be ok to attach it to a tree I’m guessing, or a piece of wood - if I didn’t want to pot them.

[Ray]

A lot of folks do just that - just be prepared to water it often.

[Roberta]

South Florida tied to a tree? I think that Mother Nature will take care of most of the watering. In fact, bare-root is probably the best choice for Catts, they'll stay rather wet most of the time but get plenty of air. My Catts do well in open baskets with only minimal medium, with a lot less water and a lot less humidity ("rain" comes from a sprinkler or hose) than they'll get at your house. In fact, the natural weather pattern will be nearly perfect... less in winter, which is also what they want. If nature doesn't cooperate, you can always back her up with a hose, but I suspect that most of the time there will be no need.

[RobinG]

Excellent, Roberta. That’s what I was hoping for. Will be retiring to south Florida from NY and these guys need to start taking care of themselves! (Of course, I’ll keep an eye)