Cattleya is a genus of orchids from Costa Rica south to Argentina.
The genus is abbreviated C in trade journals.

Epiphytic or terrestrial orchids with cylindrical rhizome from which the fleshy noodle-like roots grow. Pseudobulbs can be conical, spindle-shaped or cylindrical; with upright growth; one or two leaves growing from the top of them.
The leaves can be oblong, lanceolate or elliptical, somewhat fleshy, with smooth margin.
The inflorescence is a terminal raceme with few or several flowers.
Flowers have sepals and petals free from each other; the lip or labellum (lowermost petal), usually has a different coloration and shape from the rest of the flower and covers in part the flower column forming a tube.
There are four polliniums (bag-like organs that contain pollen). The fruit is a capsule with many small seeds.

The genus was named in 1824 by John Lindley after horticulturalist William Cattley.
Cattley obtained a specimen of then unnamed Cattleya labiata from William Swainson who had discovered the new plant in Pernambuco, Brazil, in 1817.
The plant successfully bloomed under the care of Cattley and it became the type specimen from which Lindley described C. labiata.


Cultivation


Light

Cattleyas need light, but not direct sunlight; in case of intense sunlight, shade must be provided.


Temperature
Day temperatures must be between 25-30 °C (77-86 °F) and night temperatures not lower than 10-12 °C (50-53.6 °F).


Humidity

Must be between 40-70% with good ventilation; however, plants must not be exposed to air currents.
Watering
Water only if substrate is dry. It can be done once a week, but it all depends on the environmental conditions and the season.


Fertilizing
Cattleyas can survive without fertilizing.
However, it is advisable to use nitrogen-based fertilizers without urea; fertilizers must be applied during the growth season. To avoid salt accumulation in the substrate, water thoroughly between fertilizer applications.



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