For the fictional character, see
Katorea. For the fictional character Cataleya Restrepo in the French film, see
Colombiana. For the given name, see
Cataleya (given name).
Epiphytic or terrestrial orchids with cylindrical
rhizome from which the fleshy noodle-like roots grow.
Pseudobulbs can be conical, spindle-shaped or cylindrical; with upright growth; one or two leaves growing from the top of them. The leaves can be oblong, lanceolate or elliptical, somewhat fleshy, with smooth margin. The
inflorescence is a terminal
raceme with few or several flowers. Flowers have
sepals and petals free from each other; the
lip or labellum (lowermost petal), usually has a different coloration and shape from the rest of the flower and covers in part the
flower column forming a tube. There are four
pollinia (bag-like organs that contain pollen). The fruit is a capsule with many small seeds.[4][5][6]
Taxonomy
The genus was named in 1824 by
John Lindley after horticulturalist
William Cattley. Cattley obtained a specimen of then unnamed Cattleya labiata from William Swainson who had discovered the new plant in Pernambuco, Brazil, in 1817. The plant successfully bloomed under the care of Cattley and it became the type specimen from which Lindley described C. labiata.[7]
Currently accepted species and subgeneric division within genus Cattleya are:[8][9][10][11][12][13]
Cattleyas need light, but not direct sunlight; in case of intense sunlight, shade must be provided.[14]
Temperature
Day temperatures must be between 25-30 °C (77-86 °F) and night temperatures not lower than 10-12 °C (50-53.6 °F).[14]
Humidity
Must be between 40-70% with good ventilation; however plants must not be exposed to air currents.[15]
Watering
Water only if substrate is dry. It can be done once a week, but it all depends on the environmental conditions and the season.[15]
Fertilizing
Cattleyas can survive without fertilizing. However, it is advisable to use nitrogen-based fertilizers without
urea; fertilizers must be applied during the growth season.[15] To avoid salt accumulation in the substrate, water thoroughly between fertilizer applications.[15]