Overview
Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys' is a epiphytic, upright stems conservatory greenhouse in the genus Cattleya, part of the Orchidaceae family, with evergreen, leathery leaves foliage. Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include indoor plant and conservatory plant.
About
Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys' is a cultivar of the tropical orchid genus Cattleya, known for its epiphytic growth habit with upright stems and robust pseudobulbs. This evergreen plant features leathery leaves and produces large flowers atop mature pseudobulbs, offering interest throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It thrives in bright indirect light with orchid bark as a growing medium, preferring moist but well-drained, neutral pH loam soil. Suitable as an indoor or conservatory plant in the UK, it requires a sheltered, south- or east-facing aspect and is hardy to H1b conditions. Propagation is typically by division or backbulbs.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cattleya
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Epiphytic, Upright stems
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Leathery leaves
- Suggested uses
- Indoor plant, Conservatory plant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys'
- Propagation
- Division, Backbulbs
- Pest resistance
- Moderate
- Disease resistance
- Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys'?
Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys' need?
Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys' hardy in the UK?
Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Cattleya mendelii 'Mrs Frederick Knollys'?
Division, Backbulbs.
More in the Cattleya genus
- Cattleya gaskelliana
- Cattleya labiata 'Hercules'
- Cattleya labiata 'Mrs Gustave H. Müller'
- Cattleya labiata 'Purity'
- Cattleya lawrenceana
- Cattleya lueddemanniana
- Cattleya mendelii 'Queen Alexandra'
- Cattleya mossiae 'The Baron'
