cattleya fustration

[Mira-Claude]

The trick I found most helpful was to know where each cattleya I have came from and adapt the care from there.

Even though most cattleyas seem to like high light, some do not tolerate it as well. I have some that take less light than phalaenopsis.

Most cattleyas also like to dry out between watering. But it does not hold true to them all. Some like to stay fairly humid while other needs rest periods up to 6 months.

Search where the orchids are from. Not the country but the region. Are they from a tropical forest, a swamp, a mountain front, near the sea?

Do they face high winds in nature or are they fairly protected?

Some cattleya will sulk easily if all their requirements are not provided for, others will grow like weed even under the most cruel neglect.

As for the medium used, I say go with the plants requirements, what you are used to work with and what you feel safe using.

It's the best tip I was ever given and it works all the time!