When this orchid first arrived almost eight years ago, it was just a few green leaves. There was a handwritten tag that read “cattalaya”. A friend didn’t want it, it never bloomed for her. I’d never heard of a cattalaya, but a free orchid was coming home with me.
The internet didn’t turn up “cattalaya”, but it did find cattleya. At least I knew it was a Cattleya orchid. I treated it like all my other orchids and waited to see what would happen. I’m not an orchid expert, but mine do fine. They put out new leaves and bloom regularly. And so has this guy. I don’t know why he didn’t bloom for my friend, but he always blooms for me. It’s something I look forward to.
I know people who are afraid of orchids, thinking they’re too difficult. I know others doing the ice cube thing, thinking they’re so easy. They are easy, but don’t do the ice cube thing. If you’re hesitant, get an orchid from the discount shelf at a big box. Make sure it’s in a totally-draining pot, chunky bark, water it thoroughly once a week, and see what happens.
It may take a while. But when those buds start opening it’s suddenly worth the wait.
I’ll keep you posted.
