Cattleya Guatemalensis, also known as the Lakeview orchid, is a hybrid between Cattleya skinneri and Guarianthe aurantiaca, two stunning Central American orchids. Known for its vibrant pink, purple, and orange blooms, the Cattleya Guatemalensis is an epiphyte with a sympodial growth habit. This means it grows horizontally, producing new growths from a central rhizome. As a robust and easy-to-care-for orchid, it can thrive indoors with the proper planting techniques, lighting, and care.
Planting the Cattleya Guatemalensis Orchid
Planting your Cattleya Guatemalensis orchid correctly is the first step toward ensuring healthy growth. As an epiphyte, this orchid naturally grows on trees, where its roots have plenty of airflow. To mimic this environment, choose a potting medium that provides excellent drainage and aeration. The best potting medium typically contains 6 parts coniferous bark like pine, 1 part perlite or pumice, 1 part coarse sphagnum peat moss and 1 part horticultural charcoal, which mimic the orchid’s natural growing conditions and help avoid root rot.
When potting, opt for a well-ventilated pot with plenty of drainage holes. Clear plastic pots are often preferred because they allow you to monitor root health easily. Spread the orchid’s roots evenly over the medium and fill the pot, leaving the pseudobulbs exposed above the surface. Orchids do not like to be buried deep in the medium, as this can cause root suffocation and rot.
Light Requirements for Cattleya Guatemalensis
Light is crucial for healthy growth and blooming. Cattleya Guatemalensis orchids need bright, indirect light for several hours each day. If you plan to place your orchid near a window, an east or west-facing window is ideal. These orchids enjoy morning or late afternoon sun, but too much direct midday sunlight can burn their leaves. Look for light-green leaves, which indicate that the orchid is receiving the perfect amount of light. If the leaves are dark green, it’s a sign that the orchid isn’t getting enough light, and you should move it to a brighter location.
For growers who don’t have access to sufficient natural sunlight, grow lights are an excellent alternative. LED grow lights, which mimic the sun’s natural spectrum, work best. Position the light about 12-18 inches above the orchid, giving it 12 to 14 hours of light daily during the growing season. If the leaves turn yellow, reduce the light intensity. Conversely, if the plant is not blooming, increasing light exposure could stimulate flower production.
Watering the Cattleya Guatemalensis Orchid
Cattleya Guatemalensis orchids prefer to dry out between waterings, making a well-regulated watering schedule crucial. Water your orchid when the potting medium feels dry to the touch, typically once a week. During warmer months or if your home is especially dry, you may need to water more frequently. Ensure the roots get a thorough soaking, and allow water to drain completely out of the pot. Standing water can cause root rot, a common issue for epiphytes. Between waterings, allow the potting medium to dry out but never let the orchid stay dry for long periods, as this can stress the plant.
During the cooler winter months, reduce watering to every 10-14 days. This orchid enters a rest period after blooming, and too much water during this time can disrupt the plant’s natural cycle.
Fertilizing the Orchid
To keep your Cattleya Guatemalensis orchid thriving, regular feeding is essential. These orchids are moderate feeders and benefit from a balanced orchid fertilizer during their active growing season. Use a 20-20-20 or similar balanced fertilizer at half strength once a week. Always water your orchid before fertilizing to prevent fertilizer burn and ensure proper nutrient absorption.
During the blooming phase, you can switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus to encourage stronger blooms. Once the blooming season is over, reduce feeding to once a month until new growth begins. When new pseudobulbs start forming, return to a weekly feeding schedule to support healthy growth.
Humidity and Air Circulation
Cattleya Guatemalensis orchids naturally grow in humid environments, so maintaining proper humidity levels at home is vital. Aim for a humidity level between 50-70% to replicate the orchid’s native environment. If you live in a dry climate or use central heating, a humidity tray or room humidifier can help increase moisture levels. You can also mist the orchid’s leaves periodically, but avoid misting the flowers directly to prevent rot. I like this mini hygrometer I found on Amazon to monitor the humidity levels.
In addition to high humidity, these orchids need good air circulation. Place your orchid in a location where air can move freely around it. A fan can also be used to improve air movement, which helps reduce the risk of fungal infections and promotes healthy growth.
Getting Cattleya Guatemalensis to Bloom
The highlight of growing a Cattleya Guatemalensis orchid is its stunning flowers, but achieving blooms requires proper care. One of the key factors in promoting flowering is providing bright light. Without enough light, this orchid will not bloom. Consistent, bright, indirect sunlight or 12-14 hours under a grow light is essential to stimulating blooms.
Temperature also plays an important role. Cattleya Guatemalensis orchids require a drop in temperature between day and night to bloom. During the day, aim for temperatures between 70-85°F and allow them to drop to around 55-60°F at night. This fluctuation mimics their natural environment and signals the plant to begin its blooming cycle.
Another factor to consider is feeding. Switching to a high-phosphorus fertilizer during the blooming phase will encourage strong flower development. Be patient, as orchids can take several months to develop flower spikes, but the wait is well worth it when those vibrant blooms appear.
Post-Bloom Care
Once the orchid has finished blooming, it enters a resting phase. During this time, reduce watering slightly, but do not let the potting medium dry out completely. Cut off the spent flower spikes with sterilized scissors or pruning shears, taking care not to damage any new growth.
Continue providing bright light and maintain slightly cooler temperatures to help the orchid recover. You can also reduce fertilizing to once a month during this rest period. Once you notice new growth, return to your regular watering and feeding schedule to encourage the next blooming cycle.
Common Issues and Solutions
While Cattleya Guatemalensis orchids are generally hardy, they can face some common problems. One of the most common issues is root rot, which usually occurs when the orchid is overwatered or lacks proper drainage. To prevent this, always allow the medium to dry out between waterings and choose a well-draining pot.
Pests such as mealybugs, scale, and spider mites can also affect the orchid. If you notice any pests, use an insecticidal soap or wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of infestation can help prevent more significant issues.
Happy Orchid Gardening!
In conclusion, growing and caring for the Cattleya Guatemalensis orchid requires attention to light, water, humidity, and feeding. By mimicking its natural environment and providing the proper conditions, you can enjoy healthy growth and vibrant blooms. With the right care, this Lakeview orchid will reward you with stunning flowers year after year.
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