Cattleya (RLC) Nakornchaisri 'Red' - Best Bright Red Cattleya Orchid

Rlc. Nakornchaisri 'Red' - The Best Bright Red Cattleya

This exquisite Cattleya hybrid, Rlc. Nakornchaisri 'Red', is a true marvel for orchid enthusiasts. Renowned for its exceptionally vivid red blooms, this captivating orchid is a must-have for any collection. Let's delve into the world of Rlc. Nakornchaisri 'Red' and discover the secrets to its successful cultivation.

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.

Additional Notes

• Rlc. Nakornchaisri 'Red' is a relatively easy orchid to grow, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced orchid enthusiasts.
• This orchid typically blooms once a year, usually in the spring or summer. The flowers can last for several weeks, providing a long-lasting display of colour.
• To encourage blooming, provide a slight temperature difference between day and night. This can help to stimulate flower spike initiation.
• Rlc. Nakornchaisri 'Red' is not known to be toxic to pets, but it's always a good idea to keep plants out of reach of curious animals.