There are approximately 113 species of cattleya orchids that have originated from Costa Rica and South America. The genus was named in 1824 after Sir William Cattley received and successfully cultivated specimens of Cattleya Labiata that were used as packing material in a shipment of other orchids. They are widely known for their large, showy flowers, and were used extensively in hybridization for the cut-flower trade until quite recently.

There are now thousands of registered hybrids, but most can be sorted into three types, including the “Brassavola” which has the large petals and large ruffled lip. The often violet hued “Laelia” is one of my favorites with a more refined elongated cone that opens up to a full lip and slender petals. But there are those who are fascinated and passionate about the tiny flame and scarlet “Sophronitis” varieties. Don't forget to look for the fragrant varieties of Cattleya as not all of them are.

The cattleya orchids like bright light but not the intense burning summer light. They will not flower without plenty of light and the leaves will darken. They should be an apple green so yellow or brown leaves can indicate too much direct sunlight. The growing season is in the spring and they will send up new “pseudobulbs” which should produce flowers in the late summer or winter. Water heavily during the spring but do not allow them to sit in the water. A plump pseudobulb indicates a well-hydrated plant. Cut back the water during the flowering season to avoid rotting the flowers.

Re-potting Cattleya is stressful and often it will take a season for the plant to recover. Pot the orchid in the spring to allow the growth of two pseudobulbs using a good fresh orchid medium. Fertilize with a weak orchid fertilizer weekly during the growing season, and during the rest period, fertilizer every other week.