BRASSO LAELIOCATTLEA

[arando]

hi

just want to know if these are easy to keep if you are a beginner or not, and if they will flower. i live in pretoria south africa


thank you

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If you get a good one with strong pseudobulbs and strong roots, then they're easy to grow in the correct conditions.

If you get a sickly one, then it's tough.

In general they are good beginner's orchids.

Blc's are intergeneric Cattleyas.

Brassavola, Laelia, Cattleya are the genera involved in this hybrid.

[BobInBonita]

The King is right - when conditions match the plants needs, they are quite easy.

I think your weather is about the same as we have in Southwest Florida (US). You didn't mention whether you planned on growing outdoors or in, the location (light intensity), the medium, or how it will be watered / ferilized. Your climate should be very suitable, as long as you protect it from the occasional cold snap (below 40F/5C). In summer you will have to make sure it dries sufficiently between rain/watering with the high humidity (the medium will be important - I use a bark mix in slat baskets). I let mine get very bright light with a little direct sun (watch the leaf color to judge when it's getting enough). Make sure you watch the light levels through the year - different seasons bring different sun angles and intensities even if the plant stays in the same spot.

Check the Cattleya alliance forum for a wealth of info.

Best of luck - let us know how it goes.

[arando]

i was thinking of growing outside in summer and indoors in winter, our winter are -5C and summers about 35C, i will follow your advice on potting and watering