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Gaskell's Cattleya
intermediateuncommonCattleya

Gaskell's Cattleya

Cattleya gaskelliana

Summer-blooming unifoliate Cattleya with pastel lavender flowers.

Bloomslavenderwhite
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Watermedium

Water weekly

Lighthigh

Bright light

Foodmedium

Feed biweekly

Temp

60-85°F

Humidity

50-70%

Origin

Venezuela

About Gaskell's Cattleya

Researching Gaskell's Cattleya

Care guide

Potting medium

Chunky bark + charcoal in a clay pot; excellent drainage is non-negotiable.

Repotting

Every 2 years, only when new growth roots are just emerging (1/2 inch long).

Bloom season

Varies by species — most bloom once per year, either spring or autumn.

Bloom longevity

Spectacular but brief: 1–3 weeks per flower.

Growth habit

Sympodial — produces pseudobulbs along a creeping rhizome.

Propagation

Division at repotting; keep at least 3 mature pseudobulbs per division.

Pests & prevention

Scale, spider mites in dry air. Snails love new sheaths.

Signs of trouble
  • Soft pseudobulb → rot, often from stagnant medium
  • Reddish leaves → too much direct sun (lift slightly above ideal is normal)
  • Sheath turns brown before opening → low humidity during bud development
Grower's tips
  • Allow the medium to dry almost completely between waterings.
  • Bright light (leaves should feel warm but not hot) yields the best blooms.

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