Cattleya are natives of South and Central America and the Caribbean. There are approximately 60 natural species of this genus. The biggest and most flamboyant plants come from the coastal mountains of Brazil.
Cattleya are known as the Queens of Orchids. They have played a great role in hybridization, 
producing new and larger flowers. They are beautiful fragrant flowers and are used as corsages, especially at weddings. The Far East and Holland especially, specialize in these new hybrids.
In 1818 a specimen of C labiata arrived in Mr Cattley’s collection in south London, England.
He nurtured it carefully until it flowered. It caused a major sensation when it did, as no one had seen anything like that before, and it was named after Mr Cattley in his honour.
Cattleya produces pseudobulbs with thick leathery leaves and comes in various sizes and colours.
Some species are crosses of 2 varieties ie, Lc – Laeila+Cattleya.
Others are crosses of 3 varieties ie, Blc – Brassavola +Laeila+Cattleya.
You should be able to identify your Cattleya when you read the name tags.
If you want your orchid in a pot, plant in a well-drained medium. Feed once weekly or fortnightly as per plant food recommendation.
Catteleya likes bright light but not direct sunlight. The flowers last 4-8 weeks. Repot approximately every 2 years.
Until next week, happy gardening!
