intermediatecommonCattleya
Intermediate Cattleya
Cattleya intermedia
Slender bifoliate with pale lavender flowers and deep purple lip.
Bloomslavenderpurple
Sign in to addWatermedium
Dry between waterings
Lighthigh
Bright with some sun
Foodmedium
Feed weekly weakly
Temp
55-85°F
Humidity
50-70%
Origin
Brazil, Uruguay
Special care:Easy and floriferous
About Intermediate Cattleya
Researching Intermediate 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.
