Light:
This is the most important factor in growing and flowering Cattleya orchids. From May though September, I cover
my growing area with 60% shade cloth. On the 1st of October, I remove the shade cloth to increase light levels
throughout the winter. This allows the orchid plants to get bright sunlight, making sure they do not get any direct
sun in the middle of the day.
Temperature:
This ranges from 48 degrees in the winter to over 95 in the summer. The orchid plants are open to the environment
and thus can tolerate the temperature range.
Water:
In my experience, more orchids are killed by over watering than from lack of water. Mature Cattleya orchids need
to dry out thoroughly before being watered again. From about October 1st through May, I water once a week. From
May though September, I water twice a week. Please note; in both May and September, I use a bamboo skewer to check
before watering. I pick an average pot, push a dry bamboo skewer into the middle, and let it set for 10 seconds.
I then pull it out and touch my cheek with it. If the skewer is cool to the touch, I wait a day before watering.
This method is not of my own invention, but one of the many things that I have learned on the Internet.
Fertilizer:
I am currently using Peter's 20-20-20 with micro-nutrients. When new growth is developing, I fertilize ½
strength (1 teaspoon of Peter's per gal) each time I water. I also water with just plain water once a month to
flush out excess fertilizer salts.
When I remove the shade cloth, I reduce my watering, still continuing
to fertilize once every two weeks for the winter.
Twice a year, I water with Epson Salts at a mixture of 1 tablespoon
per gallon of water (it adds magnesium to the soil-less mixes that we all use). If you can find a fertilizer with
calmag in it, then don't add the Epson Salts.
Potting:
The mix I use is 5 parts medium bark, 2 parts sponge rock, 2 part coconut chips, and 1 part charcoal. This mix
works very well for my growing conditions. As a general rule, I re-pot newly purchased orchids even if they come
from a reputable dealer.