About
Cattleya Frenchy's La Picotee gx is a small, evergreen epiphytic orchid featuring elongated pseudobulbs. Each pseudobulb typically supports one or two thick, leathery leaves that are broadly oval, measuring around 10 cm in length and 3 cm in width. This orchid produces large flowers relative to its compact size, blooming from the ends of new, mature growth during the autumn season. The flowers can reach a diameter of up to 10 cm and are predominantly white and pale pink, adorned with darker pink or brown spots on the petals and sepals.
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
- 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
- Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases.