Cattleya Orchid Hybrid Is One of Great Interest.....
There was a time when beginners were warned to stay away from warm-orchid culture—from cattleya orchid hybrids in particular, which were once considered difficult to grow. "You've got to know how first," was the attitude of many old-timers. But where you got the know-how was never made clear; they would hint, though, at a long and arduous apprenticeship to some congenial nurseryman. In a sense, this attitude and approach are correct. It is true that to grow cattleya orchid hybrids you must know them; but the way to do that is to learn the rules and then have the fun of acquiring the experience. After all, cattleya orchid and their hybrids are plants and, treated with common sense, they are easier to grow than many more ordinary plants. However, they are exacting in their cultural requirements. They demand two conditions beyond the needs of most other orchids: humidity and warmth—sometimes as much as 60 to 70 per cent humidity during the day and a definitely maintained minimum temperature of 55° to 60°. These two conditions usually can be obtained only in closed glass structures such as Wardian cases, sealed-off or protected windows, hot frames, and greenhouses. Cattleya orchids cannot be grown outdoors except in parts of Florida and adjacent states, and even there they are tricky plants to handle; indoors, however, they respond vigorously to correct cultural conditions. If all orchids were listed in the order of their importance and beauty, cattleyas undoubtedly would come first. They have been the indisputably popular queen of the tribe since the first cattleya appeared in English greenhouses about 1818. They are the orchids of romance and legend, the orchids that started the boom of speculation and exploitation. They are the true florists' orchids which find their way into ballrooms and night clubs on the shoulders and in the hair of lovely women. They are what you think of when the word "orchid" is mentioned. Probably the only true thing you've heard about them is that they are expensive; the flowers often cost more than we are willing to spend except on very special occasions. Sometimes the plants, too, are expensive, although the average prices vary between $25.00 and $100. 
Botanically, cattleya orchid hybrids are divided into two groups. The first section, called the "labiates," have rather stout pseudo-bulbs and one leaf only. The labiates are the largest-flowered but not necessarily the loveliest. The second group (sometimes called the "warm section" though grown as intermediate orchids) has longer, more cylindrical pseudo-bulbs and two leaves. The flowers of this section are smaller, more gayly colored, and always more floriferous. They bear eight to ten flowers, each about four inches or more across; the labiates produce from one to three flowers which may be from six to ten inches in diameter. They are all worth growing, however, and a good collection will have one or two plants of each cattleya species. Incidentally,this is the only orchid family which, by itself, can give you blooms the year round. For anywhere from $300-600 you can buy twelve different species of cattleya orchids and have one of the plants in bloom nearly every month. Don't overlook the more expensive hybrids. Many hybrids have no particular flowering season. They grow continuously and flower when growth is matured. As a result, some hybrids may bloom several times a year. They are larger, sturdier, and often more vigorous than the species. The colors of the flowers usually run through shades of pink and lavender, and are sometimes white. But they may vary a bit and occasionally produce an odd shade of chartreuse, apricot yellow, and red. Not infrequently the lips will be in a contrasting color. Cattleya dowiana, var. aurea hybrids have yellow sepals and petals and scarlet lips; Laelio-cattleya canhamiana alba has white petals and a reddish-purple lip. But these are not easy to obtain. If you find one let us all know where.. Click here for part 2 on Cattleya Orchid Hybrid
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