New to Cattleya

[Bobkap]

I think that I finally got the hang of growing NoiD Phal's from the box store's. But the Cattleya's really catch my eye. How much different are they to grow successfully compared to the Phal's? I live in zone 7 Long Island NY. I have one Cattleya that has only bloomed once in 4 year's.I think the problem is that I am treating it like a phal. I rally love the color's and flower's that the Cattleya's produce,any advice you can give.Thank's

[WhiteRabbit]

Catts will usually need more light in order to bloom than Phals. Most like to dry out completely in-between watering.

Many mini and compact Catts can do great om a sunny east or west facing windowsill.

[silken]

I agree, usually a fair bit more light than Phals.

[derv88]

But can Catts and Phals be grown together under lights? I have around 15 phals, 3 catts and 1 paph and just moved them all into the basement under T5HO lights because my growing room gets too hot in the summer.

I've rebloomed the Phals, but not the Catts or the Paph because they are all essentially being grown with same technique and conditions.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by derv88

But can Catts and Phals be grown together under lights? I have around 15 phals, 3 catts and 1 paph and just moved them all into the basement under T5HO lights because my growing room gets too hot in the summer.

I've rebloomed the Phals, but not the Catts or the Paph because they are all essentially being grown with same technique and conditions.

I don't use lights, so can't say whether what you have would work for both, but I do have a Catt hybrid growing on the same windowsill with a Phal and both have bloomed - it's more light than the Phal needs, but not to the point it has burned.

Some Catts may require MORE light - depends on the individual hybrid or species.

I don't use lights, so can't say whether what you have would work for both

[silken]

I do grow my Cattleyas, Phals and Paphs under T5 lights in winter. But the Cattleyas are under 2 or more bulbs and very close whereas the Paphs and Phals are under 1 or 2 bulbs and farther away. Paphs and Phals are often considered compatible to grow together both for temps and amount of light. Cattleyas usually need fairly bright light to bloom. But some of the new hybrids that are more compact seem to get by with less. You may need to do some experimenting.