Orchids 101: Classic Cattleyas—The Corsage Orchid

Cattleyas define "orchid" for most—even the color "orchid" derives from their pink-purple corsage shade. Now available in nearly any color/markings, plus hybrids (e.g., Laelia) offering more variety with same easy care.

Once mastered, relatively easy. Not "place and forget," but not as fussy as imagined. Bragging rights: grow your own corsages!

The New York Botanical Garden: Variety in plant size (inches to 4 ft), flower size (tiny to large), bloom times (Christmas to summer).

Like other orchids: bright light, some humidity, tolerant of range. South/west window ideal. Avoid burn—pull back or use gauzy curtain for direct afternoon summer sun.

Remove faded blooms. No blooms? Increase light.

Missouri Botanical Garden: Comfortably warm temps. Night 55–60°F (13–16°C), day up to 85°F (30°C). Brief 95°F (35°C) OK. Higher temps = higher humidity + air circulation. Morning mist or pebble trays (pots above water) raise humidity; open windows/small fan circulate air.

Missouri Botanical Garden: Water by flooding pot, drain thoroughly—not soggy. Unlike many orchids, cattleyas prefer drying out a bit between waterings; water when top inch of medium is dry.

Spring/summer growth: feed with ¼-strength balanced fertilizer at watering. Fall/winter: same amount every other watering.

Missouri Botanical Garden: Repot only when roots very crowded (every 2–3 years); prefer slightly small pot. Bark or bark-perlite mix. Repot after bloom.

More: Orchids 101: Get Started Growing Orchids at Home, More guides to growing houseplants