Cattlianthe Fairyland, Dogashima 1990 (RHS)

Description

✨ Cattlianthe Fairyland: The Charm of Mini Collection Orchids ✨

The Cattlianthe (Ctt.) Fairyland stands out as a compact and extremely graceful hybrid. The renowned Dogashima Orchid Center (Japan) originally registered this cross in 1990 with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Currently, this hybrid (Ctt. Candy Tuft x C. Beaufort) is a favorite for those seeking the exuberance of Cattleyas in a reduced size. Thus, it becomes the perfect choice for collectors with limited space available.

Key Features

• Radiant and Colorful Flowers: 🎨 In addition to vibrant colors ranging between yellow and peach, the flowers display a magnificent contrast. The labellum usually steals the show with intense shades of red, further enhancing the petals.
• Compact Size (Mini-Cattleya): 📏 Due to its specific genetics, the plant grows small and clump-forming. Therefore, you can easily cultivate it on windowsills, shelves, or apartments.
• Delicate Fragrance: 🌸 Additionally, many varieties exhale a sweet and smooth perfume. However, this aroma becomes more noticeable only during sunny hours.
• Epiphytic Growth Habit: 🌳 This orchid naturally grows on tree trunks. Consequently, it uses its pseudobulbs to efficiently store energy and water.
• Generous Blooming: 🎊 Although the plant is small, it produces multiple flowers per spike. Thus, creating a miniature “bouquet” look with each flowering.

🌱 Cultivating Cattlianthe Fairyland

Cultivating Ctt. Fairyland follows medium difficulty standards. However, you will succeed if you respect the intermediate climate it appreciates.

• Light: ☀️ This orchid requires bright, indirect light. Since lighting stimulates blooming, keep the leaves in a light lettuce-green shade. If the leaves darken, it means the plant needs more light.
• Temperature: 🌡️ It prefers intermediate to warm temperatures. It tolerates heat well, provided you ensure proper humidity and ventilation in the environment.
• Humidity: 💧 Maintain moderate humidity, around 60% to 70%. Additionally, mist the aerial roots on drier days to hydrate the plant.
• Watering: 🚿 Water the plant thoroughly, but let the substrate dry almost completely before the next watering. Be careful, as waterlogged roots usually cause the loss of the orchid.
• Substrate: 🪴 Use a mix that promotes rapid drainage. For example, pine bark, charcoal, and perlite work very well.
• Fertilization: 🧪 Apply a balanced fertilizer every 15 days. However, use only half of the manufacturer’s recommended dose to avoid burning the roots.

✨ Additional Care

• Ventilation: 🌬️ As this plant loves moving air, avoid stuffy locations. This way, you prevent the emergence of unwanted fungi.
• Repotting: 🔄 Repot every 2 years or when the plant outgrows the pot. The ideal time occurs when new roots emerge at the base of the growth.
• Pests: 🐜 Regularly check the plant, as mealybugs tend to hide under the dry sheaths of the pseudobulbs.

Therefore, with its charming size and vibrant colors, Cattlianthe Fairyland will transform any collection into a fairy tale setting.