Advice for new LC.

[Redcliffs]

So I just got back from my local orchid show in Salt Lake City. I ended up getting a LC loog tone, and LC green veil dressy both in spike. I'll add pics when they bloom. I haven't had great success with carts, so any advice would be great. I plan on keeping them in a west window, water twice a week or so. Again any other advice would be great.
Thanks
Trevor

[silken]

Cattleyas like an open fast draining media and fairly high light. Rather than say you will water twice a week, it would be better to water them when they dry out. In summer when it is warm and sunny and they are in active growth, that may be twice a week, but you need to water according to the plant, not necessarily a set time frame. They would enjoy being hung outdoors in the summer in a bright place so long as its not direct sun.

[CR7cristiano]

And fertilizing once a week on top of the pro's instructions.

[silken]

Originally Posted by CR7cristiano

And fertilizing once a week on top of the pro's instructions.

Ha Ha!

[Redcliffs]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'd like to try them outside this summer, I'm a little worried about the low humidity, basically live in a desert. But I think I'll try hanging the on a cottonwood tree I have.
Thanks
Trevor

[WhiteRabbit]

If you're in SLC, going by the info I found here http://www.currentresults.com/Weathe...y-by-month.php, I think you shouldn't have an issue with the humidity.

[james mickelso]

You won't have any issues as long as you water accordingly. To guage when to water I lift the pot up when I have watered it and judge the weight of the plant. How heavy is it? Then a couple days later I weigh it again. How light is it now? If still somewhat heavy I wait. When it is light weight I water again. Do it a couple of times and you'll quickly learn when to water. And as long as the shade from the tree is adequate the catt will grow quickly. The leaves don't care about the 90*+ temps but they will care about the sunlight on them if the shade isn't adequate. Dappled is good.

[CR7cristiano]

Agreed. Direct morning sun is fine but once it hits midday if its getting any direct sunlight make sure its dappled (Partially shaded w/ sunight coming thru periodically with the change in position of the sun and movement of the "tree" or foliage providing cover).

[Redcliffs]

Thanks for all the advice
Trevor

[CR7cristiano]

Anytime! You're more than welcome. If you have any more questions I'm happy to help or i'm sure anyone else on here will do the same.