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New to Cattleyas

Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by Sunfighter, Jul 29, 2021.

  1. Sunfighter

    Sunfighter New Member

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    I've been working with small and miniature orchids for a year or so but I just got my first Cattleya in May. It's doing very well on my east facing balcony, with four new pseudobulbs growing so fast that I can almost see it. My question involves bringing it indoors in the fall. How important is photoperiod? I plan to give it artificial light in addition to what it will get in an east facing window to give it a 12 hour day since this is what a tropical plant would get at home. But I read somewhere that they should be treated like a Christmas Cactus and not get any artificial light at all. This doesn't make sense to me, so I'd like to see what experienced members have to say.
     
  2. KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Welcome to the forum.

    I’ll let Cattleya experts answer your questions.
    It helps to know where you are located.
     
  3. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    It doesn't make any sense to me either. I grow seedlings of cattleyas in only artificial light and they do fine.
     
  4. Sunfighter

    Sunfighter New Member

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    I'm located in a suburb of Chicago.
    So, Marni, the 12 hour photoperiod sound good to you? The nursery told me that this plant will bloom in the fall. I plan to bring everyone inside after the equinox.