Cattleya from Gold Country

[Leafmite]

I have the same temperatures (perhaps lower), same orchid, same vendor, bought just a little earlier in the winter. Mine is growing in a north-west window under a T5HO light and, as I kill roots very effectively in bark, I transplanted it into red lava rock/ basket pot right away. I added Osmocote and eggshells.

Charles, you should soon see eyes developing on the pseudobulbs. Once you have new pseudobulbs a few inches in length, you can think about transplanting the orchid in a way that is more suitable for your conditions. If you are having trouble watering in bark, you may want to choose a different medium and a pot which allows you to see the roots. If you don't mind watering every day, you could even put the orchid in a large clay pot with a few large pieces of brick/stone/shards to stabilize the orchid. In cooler conditions, using a medium that stays open and allows plenty of air to the roots is vital as you need healthy roots to sustain a Cattleya through the winter.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Charles I'll chime in as I have cool conditions also. We do get the house warmed up during the day but it will get cold at night. I had low 60's this morning. My humidity is very low in the winter and yet I must water my Catt's in smaller pots way more often than most people.

Like others have said it looks a bit dehydrated. I can't help with the spots on the leaves but maybe if you can keep it away from your other orchids till you can see how the new growth looks. I have Catt's right now in all stages of growth.

[Leafmite]

I forgot to mention that I have noticed that this Cattleya starts roots pretty early during the growth of the new pseudobulb.