Besides the huge variation in terms of color and patterns on the flowers, Cattleya intermedia orchid has a fairly compact growth habit.
Cattleya intermedia orchid, also called as the intermediate Cattleya, is a species of Cattleya genus. Several synonyms are known for this species such as Cattleya maritima Lindl. (1836), Cattleya ovata Lindl. (1836), Cattleya amethystina C.Morren (1848), Cattleya loddigesii var. amethystina C. Morren ex Lem. (1853), Cattleya lindleyana Rchb.f. (1857), Cattleya amabilis Lindl. ex Buyss. (1878), Cattleya gibeziae Linden & Rodigas (1887), Cattleya aquinii Barb.Rodr. (1891), Cattleya intermedia var. punctatissima Sander (1892), Cattleya intermedia var. amethystina (C.Morren ex Lem.) Fowlie (1977).
IDENTIFY CATTLEYA INTERMEDIA ORCHID
Cattleya intermedia is native in central to southern Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina in the Atlantic coastal forest where it is found on rocks and small trees near the sea or streams. This species is a small to medium sized, cool to warm growing orchid with slender, cylindric pseudobulbs with several, tubular, scarious bracts enveloping it and 2 to 4, apical, subopposite leaves that blooms in the spring or summer on a terminal, short to long stalked, few to several (3 to 7) flowered inflorescence with minute floral bracts and subtended by a conduplicate sheath all arising on a newly matured pseudobulb with heavy textured, long-lived, fragrant, color variable flowers.
Besides the huge variation in terms of color and patterns on the flowers, the species has a fairly compact growth habit. Flowers can be up to 4" (10cm) or larger and borne 2-3 per inflorescence. But the main attraction of Cattleya intermedia is the variety of this single species. The typical flower is pale lavender-pink with a lip that has a rich fuchsia midlobe. Natural spread is on average about 3-½ (9cm) and flowers are generally quite flat. Petals and sepals can be narrow but choice examples have a fuller, rounder form. Some of the color forms seen in collections are orlata (round full lip opening with side lobes edged same color as midlobe), amethystina (nearly white flowers with soft pink midlobe), parthenia (pure white flowers), vinicolor (wine-red midlobe), coerulea (soft bluish flowers with slate-blue midlobe), and the peloric form aquinii (also known as flamea).
GROW AND CARE CATTLEYA INTERMEDIA ORCHID
Cattleya intermedia is extremely adaptable and can be grown warm to cool which makes the plants very easy to cultivate. Their native habitat has high humidity and the plants moist (but not soggy) roots. Average light is required with good air circulation.
Light
Like most orchids, given that other cultural factors are complimentary, better growth is possible at the high end of the light range, but Cattleya intermedia can be grown anywhere from bright to shady bright. In the greenhouse, use 50% shade cloth and have it in a spot where it gets mostly morning and afternoon sun but not Midday.
Temperature
Cattleya intermedia will tolerate a wide range of temperatures and even extremes for short periods. This orchid prefers night-time temperatures to be between 55° F – 65° F. Daytime temperatures can easily reach the low 90° F without a problem.
Humidity
Best when kept at 60% RH or higher. With high humidity, leaves and roots absorb water in the air, which helps the orchid grow and give flowers more durable, while also helping the flowers less bud drop in the hot and dry season.
Watering and grow medium
You probably should not letting the plants stay dry for too long and use straight bark or bark-based potting mix. Plants could probably be grown on cork or other mount but would need to be watered frequently if not constantly.
Depending on environmental factors, once or twice a week under normal conditions. More watering are generally necessary when it is hotter in the growing environment. This orchid would prefer never to dry out completely.
Fertilizer
If you use time-release fertilizer, it is beneficial to fertilize weekly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer applied at half-strength. I suggest to sprinkle a tablespoon of 20-20-20 time-release fertilizer granules mixed with granular lime on a 5-6-inch pot. I prefer to use the Grow More brand of fertilizers.
Repot
The best time to repot Cattleya intermedia is when there is a cluster of half-inch or less root tips at the base of the newest pseudobulbs. This usually occurs a month or so after flowering. Although some root activity can be present at any time during the year it is best to pot only when vigorous.
Repot should be done annually. I use a mixture of 4 parts coconut husk chips, 2 parts #4 Perlite, and 1 part Hydroton. Also I like clay pots as they will dry out a bit faster keeping the roots from staying too wet.
It is important to note though that as this species grows in the seaside hammocks it could be majorly affected by condo development in the future. Happy growing!
...I've been looking for 20-20-20 fertilizer as many orchid growers keep on mentioning in their blogs. can you pls. tell me where to buy? thanks!
ReplyDelete20-20-20 fertilizer have: N 20% – P2O5 20% – K2O 20% + TE
DeleteYou can buy at: http://amzn.to/2j7XwDB
Would these grow in a western facing window with partial tree shading and temps that drop to the low 50s? My Ocn Sharry Baby seems to be doing well there as well as some phals.
ReplyDeleteYes. I think it can grow well in that position!
DeleteThank you so much! I got me one Cat Gisela Schmidt and I’m sooo looking forward! It’s a baby and will take at least two years to bloom, but I am patient. Any recommendations for a low light northern window with temp conditions where a coelognye Cristatra is doing really well?
ReplyDelete