The Cattleya species and their numerous hybrids are among the most sought after orchids by the orchid professional as well as the hobbyist because the blooms of the Cattleya orchids are some of the most beautiful and exotic flowers in the world. The blooms are often very large (5 to 6 inches) and scented with a sweet perfume that engulfs you with a fragrance that is hard to forget. The flowers come in a large variety of colors, from soft lavenders to deep reds, brilliant whites, warm yellows, and an amazing blue, plus almost everything in between as well as many color combinations.

   Many of the blooms also have frilly lips that remind you of lace. The lips are so delicate and intricate that it is hard to believe that they are real. Because the blooms are very long lasting (up to 8 weeks), they make excellent cut flowers.

  Romance has surrounded this beautiful flower for centuries. It represents love, luxury, and beauty. In times of old, these orchids were even used as aphrodisiacs! The Cattleya is also the flower of the Aquarius. (Gee, maybe that is why I love them so much! Because I am an Aquarius) .

   Have you ever had an orchid appear in your dreams? If so, it is said that the orchid in your dream is telling you that you have a deep inner need to keep the gentleness, delicacy, and romance in your relationships.

   These wonderful orchids are not hard to grow in your home or greenhouse. Their requirements are quite easy to maintain.   Cattleyas must have good light and some sun to bloom. In the home they prefer an eastern, southern or slightly shaded western exposure.

   Temperature should range from 55 to 60 °F at night and 65 to 75 °F during the day. They require a humidity of 50% to 60%.
   In nature the roots of the Cattleyas are exposed to cycles of wetting and drying. In cultivated plants they need to become almost dry before watering. They must be fed fertilizer and the best advice I can give is "weakly, weekly."