Description

Cattleya – The Queen of Orchids 👑🌸 (Full Description)

Common Name: Cattleya
Family: Orchidaceae
Origin: Central & South America (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica)
Growth Type: Sympodial epiphytic orchid

🌺 Why Cattleya is Called the Queen of Orchids

Cattleyas are famous for their large, showy, frilled flowers, intense fragrance, and royal appearance. Their blooms are often used in corsages and high-end floral arrangements, making them one of the most iconic orchids in the world.

🌸 Plant & Flower Characteristics

• Pseudobulbs: Thick, upright, swollen stems that store water

• Leaves: 1–2 leathery, thick green leaves per pseudobulb

• Flowers:

  • Large (10–20 cm), waxy, ruffled petals

  • Bold colors: purple, lavender, pink, white, yellow, orange, bi-color & spotted

  • Prominent frilled lip (labellum) with contrasting color

• Fragrance: Strong, sweet, and pleasant (especially in morning hours)

• Blooming Season: Once or twice a year depending on hybrid

• Flower Longevity: 2–4 weeks

🌱 Growth Habit

• Epiphytic: Grows on trees or mounted, not in soil

• Roots: Thick, white aerial roots with green tips

• Size: Medium to large plants, depending on species/hybrid

☀️ Light Requirement

• Bright, indirect light

• Can tolerate gentle morning sun

• Leaves should be light green (dark green = low light)

🌡️ Temperature

• Day: 20–30°C

• Night: 14–18°C

• Enjoys a day–night temperature difference for flowering

💧 Watering

• Water when the potting medium is almost dry

• Avoid waterlogging

• Less water during rest period

💦 Humidity & Air

• Humidity: 50–70%

• Good air circulation is essential to prevent rot

🌿 Potting Medium

• Coarse pine bark, charcoal, perlite

• Can also be mounted on wood

• Repot every 2–3 years, preferably after flowering

🌼 Fertilizer

• Balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20)

• Feed every 7–10 days during active growth

• Reduce feeding in winter/rest period

🌼 Uses & Importance

• Popular in orchid shows & exhibitions

• Widely used in hybrid breeding

• Symbol of luxury, elegance, and love

🌟 Summary

Cattleya orchids are a must-have for orchid lovers who admire big, fragrant, royal blooms. With proper light and care, they reward growers with spectacular flowers worthy of their title—Queen of Orchids.

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