About
Cattleya Brabantiae gx 'Teddy' is an epiphytic orchid native to tropical environments, characterized by its upright, cane-like growth emerging from a compact rhizome. The stems are spindle-shaped, wider at the upper portion, functioning as reservoirs for water and nutrients. At the apex of each stem, you will find thick, evergreen leaves that persist for two seasons. These leathery leaves are oval, reaching lengths of up to 15 cm and widths of 3 cm. The plant produces sizable flowers on short terminal stems, which develop from the tips of new growth throughout the year. Flower buds are initially encased in two oval, thin sheaths. Each blossom can reach up to 10 cm in diameter and exhibits a variety of colors, predominantly in shades of pink, with some displaying darker spots and having pink, purple, or white and yellow lips.
About the genus
This genus comprises tropical orchids found in South and Central America. These epiphytic plants possess robust, fleshy roots that emerge from a thick rhizome. Their cylindrical stems, known as pseudobulbs, function as reservoirs for water and nutrients. The large flowers, which can persist for an extended period, are produced atop the newly developed, mature pseudobulbs. Cattleya is frequently hybridized with other related genera, contributing to the lineage of many inter-generic orchid hybrids.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open, coarse bark-based orchid mix with addition of perlite and coconut chips. Provide bright light conditions, but shade from hot, direct mid-day sun. Ideal temperatures are 15°C minimum in winter and up to maximum of 28°C during summer. Water and feed plants regularly during the growing season. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting in water. Provide enough humidity by regular misting. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months and keep in a bright, sunny position. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years. The plant should only be re-potted when the new growth appears in spring. See also indoor orchid cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older growths with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs. Thrips may cause damage on flowers
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs. Thrips may cause damage on flowers