Growing Mini - Catts
Large and frilly, fragrant and brightly-colored Cattleyas. These varieties are responsible for originally attracting many of us to the wonderful world of orchids. However, as our collections grew, our growing space tended to be overtaken with too many of these monstrosities!
That issue can now be resolved with miniature cattleyas. The mini-catts have flower shapes similar to their larger-growing counterparts, but they bloom on much more compact plants. The color variety seems to be endless. Another positive attribute is that many of the minis will flower more than once a year, often with clusters or bunches blooms.
Most of these mini-Catts are very easy to grow and bloom in normal home growing areas. They require much less light to push them into blooming than the larger-growing varieties. Most miniatures will bloom alongside your Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums.
Bright light and intermediate temps (60-80 degree days and 55-68 degree nights) will make these minis very happy. Similar to the larger-growing varieties, they like a coarse media which will drain easily. We use our medium orchid bark mixture. The mini-catts do have pseudobulbs; therefore they do like to dry out well between watering.
A slight drop in temperature at night (near 60-62 degrees) is always helpful in getting them to bloom. This is especially important for the larger-growing relatives, but your smaller Catts, as well as your Phals, will benefit from slightly cooler night temps. Turn down those thermostats; you'll not only save on energy costs but you will make your plants happy as well.
Good luck!
Liese
