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Cattleya bowringiana is an epiphytic orchid from Belize. Cattleyas have long been counted amongst the best known and most sought-after orchids because of their beautiful, colorful and large flowers.
Blooming time: Autumn
Culture: A suitable compost is the usual mixture of osmundo fiber or chopped tree fern with sphagnum moss and bark. During the growing period, which for Cattleya bowringiana commences in the spring, they require plenty of water, although stagnant conditions should be avoided. When pseudobulbs have matured, watering should be reduced to avoid further growth of the plant and to induce formation of flowers. When buds can be seen in the sheath, watering should be increased. After flowering, the rest period commences, during which time the compost should be kept fairly dry and only a little watering approximately every two to four weeks is required.
Propagation: New plants are easily propagated from backbulbs which can be detached. Care must be taken that only the roots are covered by compost, because the new growth must be able to develop freely, and must not be kept moist.
Cattleya bowringiana was featured as Plant-of-the-Week October 31-November 5, 1998.
Guide to Past Plants-of-the-Week:
Cal's Plant of the Week is provided as a service by the University of Oklahoma Department of Botany & Microbiology and specifically Cal Lemke, who is OU's botany greenhouse grower and an avid gardener at home as well. If the above links don't work, then try the overview site. You may also like to look at the thumbnail index. To receive Plant-of-the-Week by e-mail, go to the Plant-of-the-Week listserv subscription page. To contact us, please use this online form. ©1998-2008 All rights reserved.