About
Cattleya jongheana is an epiphytic orchid that typically grows up to 17 cm in height and often retains its foliage throughout the year. It features a single, leathery leaf that is oblong to elliptical, measuring approximately 12 cm in length. The plant produces sizable flowers ranging from 10 to 16 cm across, which appear in late winter and early spring. The petals are a pinkish-purple hue, encircling a lip that measures about 5 cm, with a pale lilac exterior and a golden-yellow interior.
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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in epiphytic orchid compost and from late spring to summer, in partial shade with good ventilation, day temperatures between 18-25°C and night between 13-15°C, water freely adding orchid fertiliser every third watering and provide high humidity by misting twice daily. Keep in well lit conditions from autumn to early spring. See indoor orchid cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required, cut down flowered stems as necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate by division when the plant over-fills the pot
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free