Want to Branch Out Beyond Phalaenopsis Orchids? Try Cattleya Orchids

The Phalaenopsis or “moth” orchid is the type most commonly found in the homes of collectors, as well as in nurseries and box stores (at least, in the United States). It’s probably the best “starter” orchid for those who want to grow orchids in their homes, but it’s not the only kind of orchid out there, and it’s not the only type that’s relatively easy to maintain. 

Today I’m talking about cattleya orchids. In my opinion, they’re the most wildly beautiful of the orchids. I also wanted an excuse to flex because my cattleya is currently in bloom! I own only one cattleya orchid, but it’s my absolute favorite (don’t tell the others!). I’ve had it for about seven years and it’s bloomed at least a half-dozen times. These blooms are what many of us imagine when we picture orchids, which is why this type is referred to as the “Queen of Orchids.” 

Flowers on my cattleya

Cattleya orchids are native to Brazil. They got their name from an English horticulturist, William Cattley, who received a specimen that he cared for and catalogued (you can read more about that story here). 

Fortunately, cattleya orchids aren’t too difficult to maintain, and the conditions they require are pretty similar to those for phalaenopsis orchids: They like warm temperatures, humidity, and lots of bright light. One slight difference is that even though the cattleya’s leaves are thinner and not as stiff or waxy as the leaves of a phalaenopsis orchid, it can handle a bit of direct sun. An east-facing window is the best bet for any orchid placement, but I’ve found my cattleya to be happy in a west-facing window and even in a south-facing window, set back a little bit from the sill. You can tell if a cattleya orchid isn’t getting enough light because its usually light green leaves will darken. 

Similar to phalaenopsis orchids, cattleyas are epiphytes, which means they grow on trees rather than in the soil. Their roots are very different, though, as you can see in the photo below. The roots are shorter, thinner, and whiter than phalaenopsis roots. Perhaps because of the smaller mass of their root systems, I find that my cattleya orchid likes to be watered a little more frequently than my phalaenopsis orchid (roughly once a week in the form of a shower/thorough watering). You can see too that the stalks of this orchid are also thinner than the stalks of a phalaenopsis orchid. 

The roots and pseudobulbs of my cattleya orchid

Cattleyas also have something called “pseudobulbs.” You’ve probably heard of bulbs when it comes to outdoor plants like tulips and daffodils, but these are somewhat different because they live above ground. (MissOrchidGirl has a great YouTube video about the formation and purpose of pseudobulbs if you want to learn more. They can also be used to propagate cattleya orchids).

Like most other orchids, only repot cattleyas when they’re clearly outgrowing their pots, and do this in the springtime if possible. Cattleyas use similar substrates as phalaenopsis orchids—primarily orchid bark—and they also like a little orchid fertilizer from time to time, although I find that my blooms yearly even without it.

Close-up of my cattleya