Cool growing mini cattleya?

[31drew31]

I searched a bit on here and found a few mini catts that grow well with cool temperatures, but would like to know of a few more species. Temperatures are 70-75 days, 50-55 nights, humidity is 70-80%. High light is not a problem. If anyone could name a few different types that would be great. Sophronitis coccinea is already on my want list

Thanks,
Andrew

[isurus79]

I think any of the Sophronitis would work. I would imagine their primary hybrids would be cool tolerant as well. Maybe look into some of the highland varieties of Cattleya, like maxima and (Laelia) purpurata.

To be honest, those temps don't seem all that cool. I would just avoid the lower temperature intolerant species like Catt violacea or dowiana. Most hybrids should do pretty well at those temps.

[WhiteRabbit]

C. intermedia is pretty petite and does well with cool to intermediate temps.

Originally Posted by isurus79

To be honest, those temps don't seem all that cool.

I don't think you need to be looking for cool growers at those temps - true hot growers might be pouty at those temps, but intermediate and even warm growers should be good.

I'm not sure how cool most cool growers want or need to be (some will be warmth tolerant) - I'm sure others with more knowledge in this area will chime in.
Good luck!

[31drew31]

Thanks for the replies. I know it's not exactly "cool" temperatures but is cool enough that warm lovers don't appreciate it.

I really do like the Sophronitis' so will look for a few at the show coming up.

Whiterabbit: I looked up C. intermedia and love the flower, but couldn't find much of leaf size other than its a compact grower. Would you or anyone else have this info?

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by 31drew31

Thanks for the replies. I know it's not exactly "cool" temperatures but is cool enough that warm lovers don't appreciate it.

I really do like the Sophronitis' so will look for a few at the show coming up.

Whiterabbit: I looked up C. intermedia and love the flower, but couldn't find much of leaf size other than its a compact grower. Would you or anyone else have this info?

Check out Cattleya intermedia

Here it says the plants are generally 5"-8" tall. (As I was looking around I found a couple descriptions from different sources of 12"-18"! which is much bigger than I thought, tho still a do-able windowsill size. I do have one, and it's closer to 5", it is young, tho bloom size, it might get bigger, but I'd be surprised if it got THAT much bigger! So, I'm going with the AOS description lol)

A very nice thing about this species is that there are several varieties!

At your temps intermediate growers should do well.

[31drew31]

Thank you, much appreciated.