Cattleya or Laelia
Cattleya (CAT-lay-ah) or Laelia (LAY-lee-uh)
These classic corsage orchids are showy and often fragrant. Because they need to thoroughly dry between waterings, they are a great choice for people who sometimes forget to water. These come in oranges, purples, pinks, reds, yellows, and whites.
- Give them bright light with some full sun. Leaves should be medium-green.
- Water them once every week or two.
- Give them warmth and regular fertilizer.
- Repot every 2-3 years.
Cattleya Family
Cattleyas and Laelias can be crossbred with closely related orchids to create hybrids. Hybrid plants combine the best qualities of both parents, and some can survive poor growing conditions or neglect. This "hybrid durability" makes them great choices for beginning orchid growers. Cattleya hybrids include:
Additional Cattleya, Laelia, or Hybrid Images
Notice the tag on the plant below: "Lc." is an abbreviation for Laeliocattleya, a hybrid between Laelia and Cattleya orchids.
Cattleya pseudobulbs and leaves.
