Cattleya Orchids - Classification and most detailed growing techniques

Cattleya orchids are a famous orchid genus with large, colorful flowers and a characteristic fragrance. They are easy to grow and easy to care for.

Cattleya orchids are one of the largest and most famous orchid genera with their gorgeous beauty and special fragrance. Known as the queen of orchids, Cattleya not only attracts all eyes with its large, colorful flowers but also with its pleasant fragrance. In addition, this orchid genus is also well adapted to the climate of Vietnam, so it is very easy to care for, suitable for both new orchid growers and long-time growers.

In today's article, let's learn more about Cattleya orchids to understand why this flower is so famous .

Origin of Cattleya orchids

Cattleya orchids are large in size and have a beautiful appearance.

Cattleya orchids are one of the most famous orchid genera in the Orchidaceae family with over 113 different species. They are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, especially in countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Costa Rica.

Initially, Cattleya orchids only lived in the humid rainforests of South America, clinging to tall tree trunks or large rocks, where there was diffused light and high humidity. However, thanks to its impressive beauty and characteristic fragrance, Cattleya has become known to many people and has been introduced to Europe and Asia to become one of the most popular orchid species worldwide.

In Vietnam, Cattleya orchids were introduced around the 20th century through import and quickly became popular with many orchid growers because of their diverse colors, adaptability, ease of care, large flowers and pleasant fragrance.

Cattleya orchid classification

2-leaf Cattleya orchid and 1-leaf Cattleya orchid.

Cattleya orchids are divided into many different types depending on the number of pseudobulbs, flower size or origin. Let's learn some common classification methods below.

Classification by number of pseudobulbs

Based on the number of pseudobulbs, Cattleya orchids are divided into two types as follows:

• Single Cattleya Orchid : Each pseudobulb has only 1 leaf, large flowers, beautiful form, thick petals. This flower line is often chosen for cut flowers or display.
• Multi-stem Cattleya Orchid (2-leaf Cattleya Orchid) : Each pseudobulb has two leaves, the flowers are smaller in size, usually blooming in clusters of 3 - 5 flowers.

Classification by origin

Based on origin, Cattleya orchids are also divided into two types: primitive and hybrid, specifically as follows:

• Original Cattleya orchid : Is a wild Cattleya line found in nature, without human intervention or crossbreeding, possessing rustic beauty and rich fragrance.
• Hybrid Cattleya orchids : These are lines of Cattleya orchids that are crossbred to create many different colors and styles. This is also the most popular group on the market today.

Morphological characteristics & color of Cattleya orchids

Shape of leaves, flowers and roots of Cattleya orchid.

Let's learn in detail about the morphological characteristics and fragrance of Cattleya orchids to understand why this flower is called the "Queen of Orchids".

Roots :

• Cattleya orchids have aerial roots, growing from the base of the pseudobulb. The roots are large and have a white velvet shell that can absorb water and nutrients very quickly.
• Plant roots are often left outside the substrate.

Trunk :

• Cattleya orchids belong to the multi-stem group with enlarged, upright pseudobulbs that store water and nutrients.
• The stem has few branches but produces many shoots, and can be propagated by dividing the bush.
• Leaves grow from the top of the pseudobulb, are oblong or oval, and glossy green.
• There are usually two lines: one-leaf Cattleya and two-leaf Cattleya.

Flower morphology :

• Flowers grow from leaf axils or pseudobulb tips, usually blooming in spring or summer.
• Flowers are large, thick, well-proportioned with a diameter of 10 - 15 cm for the standard variety.
• The edges of the petals are often gently curved, looking very charming.
• The flower has a structure of 3 sepals, 2 petals and a characteristic lip - usually larger, wider and has a different color to highlight the flower.
• Flower colors are rich from white, purple, pink, to multi-colored colors such as white - yellow, yellow - red or purple - white - yellow or even spotted, wavy colors,...

Fragrance :

• Most Cattleya orchids have a characteristic fragrance, some are light, some are very strong - especially in the original lines.
• Long lasting fragrance, brings a pleasant feeling.

Cattleya orchid planting and care techniques in detail from A to Z

Cattleya orchid branching.

Although Cattleya orchids adapt well to Vietnam's climate and are easy to grow, not everyone knows how to help the flowers bloom the biggest, most beautiful and keep the flowers fresh for a long time. Let's learn some techniques for growing and caring for this orchid variety to be successful from the first try.

Choose Cattleya orchid varieties

First, if you want Cattleya orchids to grow healthily and produce many flowers, choosing the right variety is an important factor. When choosing the variety, you need to pay attention to the following:

• Choose seedlings with clear origin to get pure, beautiful varieties.
• The plant has plump pseudobulbs, not wrinkled, and shiny.
• Leaves are dark green and free of leaf spot disease.
• You should choose seedlings with 2 - 3 pseudobulbs or more.

Prepare growing medium for Cattleya orchids

Cattleya orchids cannot withstand humidity for long, so the growing medium you choose must be airy, well-drained and disease-free. Some growing mediums you can use are as follows:

• Pine bark : Good ventilation, medium moisture retention
• Charcoal : Cheap, well-drained, easy to find but susceptible to salt contamination so needs to be mixed with pine bark.
• Pumice stone, baked clay pellets : Breathable, clean but suitable for semi-hydroponic growing.

Note : Before planting, soak the growing medium in lime water for 1-2 days to completely disinfect pathogens.

Watering & Fertilizing Cattleya Orchids

The following are basic factors about temperature, light, watering and fertilizing to help Cattleya orchids grow well and produce the most beautiful flowers. Please take note.

Light & temperature suitable for Cattleya orchids :

• Cattleya orchids need a lot of light to bloom, but note that this is indirect light, not direct light.
• Ideal temperature: 18 - 30 degrees Celsius, remember to keep the base warm in winter.

How to water Cattleya orchids :

• Cattleya orchids like humidity so you need to water them 1-2 times a day, depending on the season. Water a lot in the summer and reduce in the winter.
• Water only in the early morning and cool afternoon, not at noon.
• You can use your hand to feel if the growing medium is dry to know if it needs to be watered again.

Fertilizing Cattleya orchids :

• Growth stage : Use NPK 30-10-10 fertilizer once a week to provide nutrients for the plant to sprout and grow new leaves.
• Flowering stage : Use NPK 10-30-10 or 6-30-30 to stimulate bud formation.
• Note : You should spray fertilizer on the leaves early in the morning or in the cool afternoon so that the plant can absorb it best.

Pruning & Repotting :

• Every 6 months you should change the pot once.
• Regularly trim dry leaves and wilted flowers to prevent spreading.

Cattleya division technique

This is a very necessary thing in the process of caring for Cattleya orchids because it is a type of orchid with many stems. When the pseudobulbs grow too much, you need to separate the bush to both propagate and help the plant not to weaken. Here are some branch separation techniques that you need to know:

Branching time :

• After the orchid has finished flowering, do not separate when the plant is developing young roots or during the cold season.
• Only separate branches when the plant has 5 - 6 pseudobulbs or more.

How to separate Cattleya orchid branches :

• Step 1 : Take the plant out of the pot, carefully shake all the growing medium off the roots so as not to break the roots.
• Step 2 : Separate each clump with 2 - 3 pseudobulbs and 1 - 2 dormant buds for the plant to sprout new shoots.
• Step 3 : Use a sterilized knife or scissors to cut firmly to avoid crushing the stem, then use healing glue to apply to the cut.
• Step 4 : Let the plant rest for 1-2 days in a cool place and then plant it in a new substrate.

Cattleya orchid pest control

Cattleya orchids are also susceptible to some common orchid diseases such as soft rot, leaf spots, root fungus or pests. However, you can rest assured that you can completely handle these diseases through the following instructions.

Some optimal disease prevention measures :

• Keep the environment well ventilated, free of stagnant water and out of direct sunlight.
• Water only when the growing medium appears dry.
• Spray fungicide every 15 days.
• Add biological products to create the best environment for orchid roots.
• Regularly prune diseased branches and leaves and wilted flowers.
• Observe orchids regularly to detect pests and diseases promptly.

Cattleya orchid price list

Right below is detailed information about the price of Cattleya orchids, if you want to buy this flower, you can refer to it.

Note : The price is for reference only because it may change depending on the time (especially during Tet) or the color and size of the tree.

Questions and answers about Cattleya orchids

When do Cattleya orchids usually bloom?

Normally, Cattleya orchids will bloom in spring and summer. But if you know how to take care of them, they can bloom all year round.

Are Cattleya orchids easy to grow?

Cattleya orchids are quite easy to grow and are completely suitable for beginners. Just master some basic techniques that we have shared above.

How long does it take for Cattleya orchids to bloom?

Typically, after 12 - 18 months the Cattleya orchid will mature and begin to bloom.

Why Cattleya orchids do not flower?

There are many reasons why Cattleya orchids do not bloom, it can be due to the environment, nutritional factors, substrate or care.

The most beautiful Cattleya orchid pictures

We invite you to look at the collection of the most beautiful Cattleya orchid images that we have compiled below to fully visualize the impressive beauty of the "Queen of Orchids" with this elegant beauty.

Super beautiful red tongue yellow Cattleya orchid image.

White jade Cattleya orchids with impressive, colorful colors.

Red tongue yellow cattleya orchid with colorful colors.

Black pine cattleya orchid with very special deep red color.

Image of white Cattleya orchid with pure beauty.

Sweet pink cattleya orchid.

A garden of Cattleya orchids with many different colorful colors.

Purple Cattleya orchids with gentle beauty.

Giant Cattleya orchids with unusual blue color.

So. above orchid-vn.com has shared with you a lot of information related to Cattleya orchids - One of the most beautiful and popular orchids today. Hopefully, through this article, it will help you gain more experience to be able to take better care of this orchid and get big, beautiful, fragrant flowers.

If you want to learn more about other beautiful orchids or species, don't forget to visit our Blog section right away.