The Cattleya Princess orchid, a popular hybrid, captivates with its showy, often fragrant flowers that come in a wide array of shapes and colors. Known as the “Queen of Orchids” or “Corsage Orchid,” this orchid offers a rewarding experience for growers due to its stunning blooms and relatively sturdy nature.
Cattleya Princess Care Essentials
Light Needs
Cattleya Princess orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. An ideal indoor placement is near an east or west-facing window that receives ample light, though harsh midday sun should be diffused with a sheer curtain to prevent scorching. Optimal light levels for Cattleyas range from 2,000 to 4,000 foot-candles. A good indicator of sufficient light is a chartreuse or light green leaf color; dark green leaves signal insufficient light, while yellowish, reddish, or scorched leaves indicate too much direct exposure.
Watering Practices
Cattleya Princess orchids prefer a distinct wet-to-dry cycle, meaning they should be watered thoroughly and then allowed to dry out completely before the next watering. Watering once every 7 to 10 days is sufficient, though this varies based on the potting medium and environmental conditions. Water in the mornings, allowing foliage to dry before nightfall to prevent mildew. Using lukewarm water is recommended, and avoiding softened water, which contains salts that can harm the plant, is also important.
Temperature and Humidity
Cattleya Princess orchids prefer daytime temperatures between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29 degrees Celsius) and a cooler nighttime range of 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 16 degrees Celsius). A temperature drop of 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 to 8.3 degrees Celsius) between day and night encourages blooming. These orchids appreciate moderate to high humidity, between 40% and 70%. To increase humidity, place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water, or use a room humidifier.
Potting Mix and Fertilization
Cattleya Princess orchids, being epiphytic, require a well-draining potting mix that provides good aeration for their roots. Suitable mixes include fir or pine bark, horticultural charcoal, perlite, and coconut husk chips. The mix must allow water to flow through easily, preventing waterlogging and root rot. Fertilization is important, and a balanced orchid-specific fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 or 3-1-1 ratio) can be applied at reduced strength, typically every one to two weeks during the growing season. During winter or periods of reduced growth, fertilization should be less frequent, perhaps once a month.
Encouraging Blooms
Achieving consistent blooms from your Cattleya Princess involves meeting specific environmental triggers. Providing abundant light is a primary factor, as insufficient light is a common reason for a lack of flowers.
The plant’s natural growth cycle involves new pseudobulbs developing, and blooms emerge from a sheath that forms at the top of these mature pseudobulbs. Ensure proper hydration during bud development, but avoid overwatering. While the plant is actively growing and forming new pseudobulbs, consistent care with appropriate light, temperature, and balanced fertilization supports the energy required for blooming. Once a pseudobulb has bloomed, it will not flower again; subsequent blooms come from new growths.
Repotting Your Cattleya Princess
Repotting is generally needed when the potting medium begins to break down, typically every two to three years, or when the plant’s rhizome grows over the pot’s edge. The best time for repotting is in the spring, as new root growth begins, to minimize transplant shock and allow new roots to establish quickly. Avoid repotting when the orchid is in bloom, as this can shorten flower lifespan.
To repot, carefully remove the orchid from its old pot and gently clear away degraded potting mix, taking care not to damage healthy roots. Any dead or rotting roots, which often appear brown, soft, or hollow, should be trimmed using sterilized tools. Position the plant in the new pot with older pseudobulbs against one side, allowing space for new growth. Fill the pot with fresh orchid mix, ensuring good root contact and no large air pockets. After repotting, it is advisable to wait about a week before the first watering to allow any small root injuries to heal.
Troubleshooting Common Concerns
Yellowing leaves on a Cattleya Princess can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. If leaves are yellowing and soft, it may point to overwatering and potential root rot, while shriveled pseudobulbs suggest underwatering or dehydrated roots. Adjusting watering frequency and checking the potting medium for proper drainage can resolve these concerns.
Pests like mealybugs and scale can infest orchids. Manage them by regularly inspecting the plant and, if found, treating them with appropriate horticultural insecticides or by wiping them off. Fungal spots or rot, at the crown or in the pseudobulbs, can occur if water sits on the foliage or if the potting medium remains too wet. This emphasizes the need for good air circulation and proper watering techniques.