Cattleya Rlc. Nakornchaisri 'Red'

Rhyncholaeliocattleya Nakornchaisri 'Red' is a Cattleya alliance hybrid admired for its deep red flowers, often broad and well-formed with a substantial, waxy texture. The blooms are medium to large in size and can carry several flowers per inflorescence, depending on the maturity of the plant. The lip is typically bold and showy, complementing the intense red petals and sepals. Like many Rhyncholaeliocattleya hybrids, it is valued for its striking floral display and reliable blooming habit when given suitable conditions.

Distinctive Features

• Flowers: The hallmark of Rlc. Nakornchaisri 'Red' is its striking, bright red flowers. These large, showy blooms typically measure around 12-15 cm (5-6 inches) in diameter and possess a delightful fragrance. The petals and sepals exhibit a rich, velvety texture, further enhancing their visual appeal.
• Leaves: This Cattleya orchid boasts sturdy, elongated leaves that are typically light green in colour. The leaves grow in pairs from the pseudobulbs, contributing to the plant's overall lush appearance.
• Growth Habit: Rlc. Nakornchaisri 'Red' exhibits a sympodial growth habit, meaning it produces new shoots from the base of older ones. This results in a clustered growth pattern, with multiple pseudobulbs developing over time.

Care Tips

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it's best to avoid intense midday sun. East- or west-facing windows are generally ideal.
• Water: Water thoroughly when the potting mix approaches dryness. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow excess water to drain freely from the pot.
• Humidity: Maintain moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. You can increase humidity by misting the plant, using a humidity tray, or grouping plants together.
• Temperature: Rlc. Nakornchaisri 'Red' thrives in intermediate to warm temperatures. Daytime temperatures between 24-29°C (75-85°F) and nighttime temperatures around 16-18°C (60-65°F) are ideal.
• Fertiliser: Fertilise regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced orchid fertiliser. Dilute the fertiliser to half or quarter strength to avoid over-fertilisation. Reduce or cease fertilisation during the winter months when growth slows down.
• Potting: Repot every 2-3 years or when the potting mix becomes decomposed. Use a well-draining orchid potting mix, such as a blend of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one.
• Propagation: Rlc. Nakornchaisri 'Red' can be propagated through division. When repotting, carefully separate the pseudobulbs, ensuring each division has at least 3-4 healthy pseudobulbs.