Congratulations on good growing. Catts are different because they require much more light. They also need to dry out completely between watering. They are not hard to grow if you have the sun and don't overwater. Since you are in Ca. you should have the sunlight.

At best, flowers only last for 2 weeks. They usually flower once a year, but there are some which might flower twice a year.

Give them a try but make sure you buy a plant with a label so you can look up the name. There are so many hybrids which may require different treatment. Some need to rest, some take more water, some really like hot and dry, etc, etc.

Good luck,
Jane

Bamboo,

Cattleya are not more difficult, just different. You should be able to grow them where you live, but not together.

First light. Cattleya want lots of light, not quite the direct sun like roses, but much more than fuchsia.

Cattleya bloom once a year and the blooms last 3 or 4 weeks.

Cattleya want a lot less water than Phals. At least not as often. Watering a Catt like a Phal will kill it.

I have trimmed roots if there is a large root mass, but generally don't cut a root just because it is long. I have a friend who shortens roots so that they don't touch the bottom of the pot. A health plant grows new roots.

Is this long root inside the pot or outside? Sometimes lots of roots outside the pot means that there are few roots inside.

The long roots are outside of the pot. Some roots are inside but lately more of them seem to growing over the outer walls of the pot. Is this an indication that I should repot the plant?

Also, when I go to buy a Cattleya, what should I look for in terms of things that would indicate the health of the plant?

I am already learning a lot.

Thanks

{{gwi:145404}}Start with an Sophrolaeliocattleya (Slc on the label usually). They are smaller and need less light. They tend to be red or orange or yellow. But really there are some very nice colors like this Slc Sierra Plum
{{gwi:145405}}{{gwi:145406}}

Are the watering requirements the same for Sophrolaeliocattleya's as for other Cattleya's and where might I find them?

Are they fragrant as well and do they bloom only once a year?

Also, what should look for in terms of judging the health of a Cattleya before I buy it?

Thanks

There are many hybrids in the cattleya family that bloom several times a year. Many are fragrant. You will have to ask the grower what he has to offer. I find these plants to be smaller and more compact, therefore I can grow more of them. The blooms, however, are often large for the size of the plants. Watering for most of the plants in the cattleya family is similar. You might find a hybrid that under your care needs a bit more babying than others, but that's the fun of growing.

If your phal has more roots outside the pot than in - it could suggest that it's time to transplant. You mentioned that you've had the phal for several years now. Has it been transplanted while in your care? If not than it's time to transplant your old friend. This is from Bigleaf orchids:

For best result, repot your phalaenopsis with fresh mix once a year done in late spring after flowering season. Use a clear-plastic pot size slightly larger the the root mass so that the pot does not stay wet. Choose a well-drained yet water-retentive mix such as orchid mix made of fine fir bark, New Zealand sphagnum moss, perlite (sponge rock), and charcoal in ratio of 3:1:1:1.

You should be able to do a search here at the orchid forum for more information on transplanting orchids. I hope this helps.

Yeah I do think it does need to be replanted. I already bought some new orchid mix to repot it in and I have a larger six inch terracotta pot in which to put it. My phal still has a flower spike so I'll wait until it is done. Shouldn't be long since this flower spike has been around for many weeks.

Also, when and how should I feed my phal? And does anyone know of any good cattleya's that flower repeatedly during the year and that they would recommend?

Thanks

Hi
For a new orchid grower probably the best advice is to consider your grow area .How much room and what methood you want to use.?? Pot culture or garden plants?? What are your average temps, humidity,air circulation and select from species that fit into these conditions rather than the other way around.
I'd suggest checking out Andy's orchids website. They have a wonderful feature that takes your data and eliminates all those that don't fit into your conditions.
There are sooooo many kinds I think it's easier to eliminate those that won't grow.
In 10 Cal you should be able to grow most anything with several different methods.
One thing, it is impossible to grow just one orchid lol.
If they do well you will be adding more so start with those that give the greatest chance of success.
gary