While orchids are not my specialty, I have dabbled with them from time to time. Perhaps the most success I have had is with cattleya orchids. Giant spectacular blooms, fairly easy to care for and somewhat forgiving of my occasional neglect, cattleya orchids have been my mainstay for many years here in Southwest Florida.
I had a past history with cattleya orchids when I grew a few individuals back in the late 1970’s. I purchased these cattleya as small plantlets in sealed glass ampules ready to grow. While tiny, they did grow but not quick enough for me to see them flower as I moved and could not take them with me. Fast forward to the future when my daughter and I purchased a cattleya for my wife’s Mother’s Day one year. I have since divided the plant many times and have at least four hanging baskets of this original cultivar. They hang under a mid-sized jujube tree and have thrived and flowered. The large six to seven inch wide pink, fuchsia, and yellow flowers release a fragrance at night and emerge more or less around Christmas time. Cattleya flowers last up to six-weeks long and put on quite a show with clusters of multiple blooms – well worth the wait!
While hobbyists can develop large collections as every single individual cultivar is glorious in its own right, select one that you really like. Go to orchid shows and/or visit nurseries that specialize in orchids. With many species to choose from and numerous hybrids, you will likely find more than one that suits your fancy. Locate your cattleya so that it receives about seventy to eighty-percent shade that can be found under the cover of trees, under shade cloth (or a shade house), or even under the eaves of houses. Too much sun can burn the leaves, so make observations as you select the best site.
Watering is also an important consideration. While rainwater is ideal, make sure the water you use does not contain too much salt. Water quality of less than five-hundred parts per million (ppm) salt is a good standard. As a rule-of-thumb, let cattleya orchids go dry between watering, but then thoroughly water them with lukewarm water if possible.
Over time, the potting medium – which normally consists of a bark orchid mix available at any garden center – may begin to breakdown, and not drain as well. If this is the case, and the orchid plant is beginning to spill over the edge, consider stepping the cattleya into a larger pot – about three-inches bigger – to accommodate it for the next couple of years.
Using a water-soluble fertilizer suitable for orchids such as a 30-10-10 or its equivalent, apply diluted applications – about one-quarter of the strength – during the growing season as per label directions. As the season cools during late fall and through the winter, stop fertilizing all together as orchid growth comes to a standstill.
Bottom-line, from my experience, cattleya orchids have been my personal favorite. While I lost the original name tags of the cultivars I have, as long as the orchid is a cattleya, I am comfortable in maintaining these natural wonders. All orchids are worth a try, but my cattleya orchids have thrived and produced even when I was less of a careful gardener with them – try some today! For more information on all types of flowering plants suitable for our area, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension. You can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Black, R. J. (2003) Tips on Growing Orchids in Florida. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2026) Orchids. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
American Orchid Society (2026) Cattleya. https://www.aos.org/orchid-care/care-sheets/cattleya-culture-sheet .
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