want to try growing Cattleyas :D - Orchid Board

(..._...) · #1 02-23-2008, 07:26 PM

Hey!

I have many different types of orchids, but no Cattleyas. I once purchased a cattleya at an orchid show, but unfortunatly, it died. The roots were dead when I looked at them about two weeks after I purchased it. From what I have heard, the roots must have been rotten before I purchased the plant; so I would like to try growing one again!

I would like to know about how long it should take them dry out before watering again, and what type of medium is best for their roots.

thanks so much

kiki-do · #2 02-23-2008, 07:37 PM

Hello ... ...!
Welcome to OB! I have several catts and in general, they like a lot of light. The medium varies but use a bark type medium rather than moss as they like to dry out between watering. Many people have varying methods, but my favorite is using clear pots and watering them very well, then allow to dry...and you can see when that happens when you no longer see water beads, then it's time to water again. Moss may be good for other type orchids, but not catts. This is my method...and I am sure you will hear different methods. Good luck!

(..._...) · #3 02-23-2008, 07:41 PM

Thanks for the help!

I've been growing Orchids since 2002, and I had no Idea that this site existed!

back to the Cattleyas, how long does it take yours to dry out approx.? and you water right when they dry out, or do you let them stay dry for a while?

kiki-do · #4 02-23-2008, 08:22 PM

Well, being in Maine and not having the warm temps, I would guess-imate it would be about a week or so before it's good and dry. I have to force myself not to water it too quickly. (I have the tendency to overwater everything). I really look for beads of water, and won't water until they are completely gone.

GreggC · #5 02-23-2008, 08:45 PM

see what you can find at the library in the way of books on Catts. Just a suggestion. Also, I know that somewhere there is a thread on this site that talks about good books as far as orchids are concerned, no matter what you are interested in.

Lagoon · #6 02-23-2008, 09:38 PM

I allow dry out 1 or 2 day between waterings. Seedlings do need abit more water then more mature catts.
There's nothing wrong with growing catts in sphag moss. I sure wish that there wasn't such a fear with this type of media on this board. If you have the right conditions and DON'T overwater then it should be fine.

I have seen much better growth using the media then anything else. One thing that works very well with this moss is large coarse rok also known as perlite. Pot your catts tight & give them good strong lighting 12 to 16 hrs per day.

Something I always do within a couple of days when adding to my collection is ... check on those roots & for insects. It's important to know whether your 'chid is in good health when you get it. This way you can narrow down the field if its the growers conditions or yours that the orchid might have failed or thrived.

Use a wooden BBQ skewer - this can be very helpful in guiding you - when to water and when to not water.

(..._...) · #7 02-23-2008, 11:12 PM

thanks for the help! I will def. use it with my next Cattleya!

Jo Ann · #8 02-24-2008, 11:01 AM

Hi Dots,

I spent this last winter learning how too kill my catts..LOL..I grow them outside so my issue was the roots not drying out fast enough when we would have nonstop rain for a few days the roots would stay wet and rot ..

..with a lot of trial and error I found mine grow best in plastic net pots or open wooden slate baskets and regular orchid mix…but everybody here has what works best for them…good-luck..

tokidoki · #9 03-06-2008, 04:27 PM

i also am interested in growing cattleyas but im a little ignorant about these orchids.. do they look warmer conditions? more sun/light maybe? whats the difference with them compared to taking care of phalaenopsis?

Ross · #10 03-06-2008, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tokidoki

i also am interested in growing cattleyas but im a little ignorant about these orchids.. do they look warmer conditions? more sun/light maybe? whats the difference with them compared to taking care of phalaenopsis?

Lots of differences. Phals are considered by most to be beginner orchids because their requirements are easy to meet indoors. Cats aren't really hard, but harder than Phals. The light needs to be way brighter than Phals (almost full sun - full sun if behind window screen), the water needs to be less, etc.