When people think of an orchid, they generally think of Phalaenopsis, the "moth orchid", or Cattleya, the "corsage orchid." Cattleyas are among the most popular orchids for several reasons; they come in various shapes, sizes, colors, scents, and their culture often forms a comparison for how to grow other orchids. The genus Cattleya comprises 46 species from Cattleya aclandiae to Cattleya warscewiczii and several thousand hybrids, including 32 natural hybrids.¹ With such diversity within this genus, there is a plant for everyone, beginner to advanced.

The first documented large flowered Cattleya species was found in Brazil in 1817 and later arrived at the Glasgow Botanic Garden in Scotland in 1818. The genus Cattleya was named in honor of the English horticulturist William Cattley by the famous botanist John Lindley in 1821. John Lindley was hired by Cattley to draw and describe the exotic plants in his collection. In 1821, Lindley published his book Collectanea Botanica, and the public got their first view of William Cattley's favorite plant, Cattleya labiata. Horticulturists everywhere wanted to see this famous species but with only two locations available, chances were limited. By 1825 Cattley had only two healthy plants remaining. Out of his extensive collection of exotic plants, he considered his C. labiata to be the most beautiful plant he owned. Although John Lindley introduced the world to the beauty of the orchidaceae and in particular C. labiata, he was partly responsible for the death of countless orchid species.

The prevailing theory of the time was orchids needed a high-heat, heavy-shade, high-moisture, stagnant tropical environment to thrive. Only the most resilient orchid could tolerate those conditions for long and that advice is probably the fastest way to kill any Cattleya.² Joseph Paxton, the head gardener to the sixth Duke of Devonshire at Chatsworth, was responsible for the cultivation of the largest and most impressive orchid collections in Britain during the early 1800s. Mr. Paxton did not follow the advice of Lindley and other "experts" of the time. He provided very bright light and strong cool breezes to the plants as well as removing the wet fog that normally bathed orchids of the time. Joseph Paxton devised the method of Cattleya culture that we use today, with an emphasis on better drainage, high light, and attention to the plants root structure.²

When discussing Cattleya culture, light is the most important factor in growing and flowering your plants. A bright east, or shaded south or west window is ideal with temperatures between 55 to 60F at night and 70 to 85F during the day. Mature Cattleyas need to dry out between watering, and if in doubt, its best to wait a day or two before watering again. Humidity should be between 50 to 80% with a gently breeze provided by a fan or open window. Cattleyas like to be fertilized when actively growing with a dilute fertilizer appropriate for the growing media.³

The October meeting with Jean Ikeson, owner of Windsor Greenhouse, will be a chance to explore in greater detail the breeding characteristics of Cattleya species. Jean will be bringing plants for sale and will be available for questions during the meeting. - Jeremy Bechelli

1. http://www.kew.org 2. The Classic Cattleyas by A.A. Chadwick and Arthur E. Chadwick ³.   www.AOS.org