Cattleya Orchid Mericlone – Orchidaceae – Cattleya spp. - 50mm & 100mm

Add tropical colour, fragrance and collector appeal to your home, patio or orchid collection with this beautiful Cattleya Orchid Mericlone. Available in both 50mm established plant and 100mm flowering-size plant options, this listing is ideal for orchid lovers wanting either a young plant to grow on or a more advanced plant closer to blooming maturity.

Cattleyas are among the most famous flowering orchids in the world, prized for their large, showy blooms, rich colours and classic orchid fragrance. Often called the Queen of Orchids, they are a favourite for collectors, indoor plant growers, patio displays and protected shade house growing.

This plant is supplied as a mericlone, meaning it has been propagated from selected plant material to help provide more consistent growth and flower characteristics than seed-grown orchids. Mericlones are especially valued by orchid growers because they are produced from a known parent plant rather than from random seed variation.

Cattleya Orchids are generally grown for their spectacular flowers once mature. Bloom colour, size, shape and fragrance can vary depending on the variety supplied, but Cattleyas are best known for their bold petals, prominent lip and impressive display when in flower.

Size Options

This listing includes two plant size options.

50mm Pot – Established Mericlone

The 50mm option is a smaller established plant, ideal for growers who enjoy raising orchids through their development stages. This size is suited to growing on, potting up over time, and building an orchid collection at a younger stage.

100mm Pot – Flowering Size

The 100mm option is the larger flowering-size selection. This plant is more advanced and closer to blooming maturity than the 50mm option. Flowering is still dependent on season, light, plant maturity and growing conditions.

Important Flowering Note

Plants may not be supplied in flower unless clearly stated.

Images are example pictures only and may show mature flowering plants to demonstrate possible flower form, colour and display. Flower colour, size, fragrance and form may vary depending on the variety supplied, plant maturity, season and growing conditions.

Features

• Beautiful Cattleya Orchid Mericlone
• Botanical group: Cattleya hybrid / Cattleya spp. and hybrids
• Available in 50mm established plant and 100mm flowering-size plant options
• Mericlone propagation for more consistent growth and flower traits
• Produces large, showy orchid blooms once mature
• Many Cattleyas are fragrant when flowering
• Excellent for orchid collectors and plant lovers
• Suitable for bright indoor spaces, patios, shade houses and protected outdoor areas
• Can be grown in orchid pots or mounted with suitable care
• Compact 50mm option for growing on
• Larger 100mm option for those wanting a more advanced plant
• Classic tropical orchid appeal
• Excellent gift plant for orchid enthusiasts

Why Grow Cattleya Orchids?

Cattleyas are one of the most rewarding orchids to grow because they combine strong visual impact with long-term plant value. Once established, a well-grown Cattleya can continue developing new growths and flowering in future seasons.

They are especially popular because of their:

• Large, impressive flowers
• Bright and varied colour range
• Classic orchid fragrance in many varieties
• Strong collector appeal
• Suitability for pots, patios and orchid houses
• Ability to reward good care with repeat flowering

Care Instructions

Light

Cattleya Orchids prefer bright filtered light. They usually need more light than many common indoor orchids, but they should still be protected from harsh direct afternoon sun.

A good position may include:

• Bright indoor window with filtered light
• Covered patio
• Shade house
• Greenhouse
• Protected outdoor area with bright indirect light

Leaves should generally be a healthy medium green. Very dark green leaves may indicate the plant is not receiving enough light, while yellowing or burnt patches may indicate too much direct sun.

Watering

Water thoroughly, then allow the orchid mix to dry before watering again. Cattleyas do not like staying constantly wet, especially around the roots.

Watering frequency depends on:

• Pot size
• Temperature
• Season
• Airflow
• Humidity
• Type of orchid mix used

Smaller 50mm pots can dry faster than larger pots, so check them more regularly during warm weather.

Humidity & Airflow

Cattleyas appreciate moderate to high humidity, but they also need good airflow. Humidity is helpful, but stagnant damp conditions can cause root and fungal problems.

Good airflow is especially important in warm, humid climates or enclosed growing areas.

Potting Mix

Use a free-draining orchid mix, such as coarse bark or a Cattleya-style orchid mix. The mix should hold some moisture but still drain freely and allow air around the roots.

Avoid heavy potting mixes that stay wet for long periods.

Temperature

Cattleyas generally grow well in cool to warm protected conditions. Avoid frost, extreme heat, cold draughts and harsh exposed positions.

In cooler climates, they are best grown indoors, in a greenhouse, or in a protected patio or shade house.

Feeding

Feed during active growth with a suitable orchid fertiliser according to label directions. Reduce feeding during cooler periods or when the plant is not actively growing.

Regular light feeding during the growing season can help support strong new growth and future flowering.

Repotting

Repot when the plant has outgrown its pot or when the orchid mix begins to break down. Cattleyas generally prefer to be slightly snug rather than placed into an oversized pot too early.

The best time to repot is usually when new root growth is beginning, as this helps the plant establish into fresh mix more quickly.

Mounting

Cattleyas can also be grown mounted on a suitable slab or board. Mounted plants need more regular watering and higher humidity than potted plants, so they are best suited to growers who can provide the right conditions.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Cattleya hybrid / Cattleya spp. and hybrids
Common Name: Cattleya Orchid
Product Type: Orchid plant
Propagation Type: Mericlone
Available Sizes: 50mm established plant and 100mm flowering-size plant
Supplied As: Potted orchid plant
Flowering Size: 100mm option is the larger flowering-size selection
Flower Colour: Varies depending on variety supplied
Flower Form: Large Cattleya-style orchid blooms once mature
Fragrance: Many Cattleyas are fragrant, but fragrance can vary by variety
Light: Bright filtered light / bright indirect light
Watering: Water well, then allow mix to dry before watering again
Potting Mix: Free-draining orchid mix
Humidity: Moderate to high humidity with good airflow
Temperature: Cool to warm protected position
Growth Habit: Sympodial orchid
End Use: Orchid collection, indoor display, patio, shade house, protected outdoor growing

FAQ

What is a Cattleya Orchid?

Cattleya Orchids are tropical orchids known for their large, showy flowers, bold colours and classic orchid fragrance. They are popular with collectors and are often called the Queen of Orchids.

What does mericlone mean?

A mericlone is an orchid propagated from selected plant material rather than seed. This helps produce plants with more consistent growth and flower characteristics.

What sizes are available?

This listing includes two options: a 50mm established plant and a 100mm flowering-size plant.

What is the difference between the 50mm and 100mm options?

The 50mm option is a smaller established plant for growing on. The 100mm option is a larger, more advanced plant and is closer to blooming maturity.

Is the plant supplied in flower?

Not necessarily. Plants may not be supplied in flower unless clearly stated. Flowering depends on maturity, season, light and growing conditions.

What colour will the flowers be?

Flower colour can vary depending on the variety supplied. Images are examples only and may show possible flower form, colour and display.

Are Cattleya Orchids fragrant?

Many Cattleya Orchids are fragrant once mature, although fragrance strength can vary depending on the variety.

Is Cattleya suitable for beginners?

Yes, Cattleyas can be suitable for beginners if grown in bright filtered light, free-draining orchid mix and good airflow.

Can Cattleya Orchids grow indoors?

Yes. They can grow indoors if they receive enough bright indirect light. A bright window position is usually best.

Can Cattleyas grow outside?

Yes, in suitable climates they can grow in a protected patio, shade house or sheltered outdoor position. Protect them from frost, harsh direct sun and extreme weather.

How much light does a Cattleya need?

Cattleyas prefer bright filtered light. Too little light may reduce flowering, while harsh direct sun can burn the leaves.

How often should I water a Cattleya Orchid?

Water thoroughly, then allow the orchid mix to dry before watering again. Do not keep the plant constantly wet.

What potting mix should I use?

Use a free-draining orchid mix, such as coarse bark or a quality Cattleya orchid mix.

When should I repot it?

Repot when the plant has outgrown its pot or when the orchid mix begins to break down. Repotting is usually best when new root growth is starting.

Can Cattleyas be mounted?

Yes. Cattleyas can be mounted on a slab or board, but mounted plants need more frequent watering and suitable humidity.

Why are Cattleyas popular?

Cattleyas are popular because of their large flowers, bold colours, fragrance, collector appeal and long-term growing value.