Phals and Catts
 

I am getting competent in growing phals, and just learning paphs. I've learned how to water and feed, and to adjust the light for them. I am considering getting a catt. From what I've read, and I have absolutely no experience with them, they require bright light. The main window in my condo generally faces southwest. Which means I get strong sunlight for 6-7 hours per day. Is that enough for a catt? I can move the phals ad paphs to a different position so they don't get direct sunlight.

Thanks...

I think the answer to your question is... maybe. :D

You know, it can't hurt to grab an inexpensive plant that you like, and find out. That's what I think I am going to do... I seem to do really well with phals and am doing okay with oncidiums and paphs... cattleyas are next on my list and I've picked out one that I'm going to try. :)

It would be very difficult to grow large cattleyas indoors. Stick with the mini-cattleyas. They don't require as much light and some have the potential to bloom more than once a year. Remember cattleyas usually just bloom for a few weeks, unlike phals that can bloom for months. Cattleyas like to be drier than the orchids you're growing now. It takes a little experience to be able to judge the amount of water they need.

How do you tell which ones are the mini cattleyas when you're shopping for them online?

Some web-sites will give you a description. Sometimes they'll even say if it's recommended for windowsill culture. Here are a few sources of mini-catts.

Sunset Valley Orchids - Superior Hybrids for Orchid Enthusiasts
Gold Country Orchids

Thanks Tucker. I live in the DC suburbs where summer temperatures can occasionally approach 100. They are normally in the very high 80's to the mid 90's, and humid. I'm still pretty much in the same condition for direct sunlight on my deck.

Thank you! That's very helpful!

Venturing out and visiting a greenhouse this weekend from my experience some Catts can be pretty big plants, considerably so when compared to the Phals & Paphs you're used to. Also to be really honest, as plants they aren't "as attractive" when they're not in flower. If that matters to you then you might take that into consideration. I picked up my first one and it's a decent plant, really pretty flowers (I'll post pic & ID later). It's not a small plant but it seems to be a more compact grower versus some of the larger flowered ones. I was looking for one of those with the HUGE flowers; as you would expect, the bigger the flower the bigger the overall plant!

At the greenhouse though they said the same as said above, that they can take it and like it a little dryer & tend to like bark more as opposed to moss. They like bright light but not necessarily "direct" light, at least not that mid afternoon sun. Which I thought maybe they like bright light. But this is all superficial knowledge but what I've learned recently. Oh and apparently they only flower from new growths.

Good luck! Share what you find. :-D

I grow some compact type Catts both in west facing windows and on patio getting afternoon sun - no where near 6 hours of direct sun - and they're quite happy. I do need to be aware of extremely hot weather - they can burn - my windows are old, single pane, not insulated ...

Catts might be one of my fav groups I think and you can't beat Slc. Little Hazel as a space saver. This pic is my plants first time blooming. I bought it in bud after I was told sophronitis (cattleya) cernua would not grow in my area - I was somewhat devastated about that.
So far it's a little trooper, even survived being knocked over more than once by cat (meow variety). Happy growing :)