Cattleya orchids thrive in bright, indirect light but require more light than Phalaenopsis orchids. They prefer morning sun or filtered light throughout the day. An east or west-facing window with dappled light is ideal. Be careful of too much direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves, but without enough light, Cattleyas may not bloom.

When growing under artificial lights, place the orchid closer to the light source than Phalaenopsis, ideally within 1-2 feet, and ensure it receives 12-14 hours of light per day. If leaves are turning yellow or red, it might be a sign of too much light. Conversely, if the leaves are dark green, the orchid might not be receiving enough light, so you may need to increase exposure or move it closer to the light source.

Cattleya orchids prefer daytime temperatures between 70-85°F and a slightly cooler night temperature around 55-60°F. Temperature fluctuations between day and night are important for encouraging blooming. These orchids are more tolerant of temperature changes than Phalaenopsis but should still be protected from extreme conditions like freezing cold or excessive heat.

Ensure they are kept away from cold drafts or direct heat sources such as heaters or air conditioners. In general, Cattleyas enjoy moderate household temperatures that don’t vary too drastically.

Cattleya orchids prefer moderate humidity, around 50-70%, which can be maintained by placing the plant on a humidity tray or using a room humidifier. In dry environments, you may need to mist the plant occasionally. Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal issues, as Cattleyas do not tolerate stagnant, overly humid conditions well.

If grown in an enclosed space, such as a terrarium, adequate air circulation is necessary to avoid mold or rot.

Cattleya orchids prefer to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly, allowing the water to flow through the pot and then drain completely. Typically, watering every 7-10 days works well, though this depends on the potting medium and environmental factors like temperature and humidity.

Ensure that the medium is completely dry before rewatering, and avoid letting water sit in the crown or on the leaves, as it may cause rot. In general, it’s better to under-water Cattleyas slightly than over-water them, as they are more prone to root rot if kept too moist.

Feed Cattleyas with a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). During fall and winter, reduce fertilizing to once a month or pause it altogether.

"Weekly, weakly" feeding is a good rule of thumb if using a very diluted solution with each watering. Always water before applying fertilizer to prevent burning the roots, and flush the potting medium with plain water every 4-6 weeks to prevent salt buildup from fertilizer.

Repot Cattleyas every 2-3 years, or when the potting medium begins to break down. Use a well-draining orchid mix made of bark, perlite, and other suitable materials. Repotting should be done after the plant finishes flowering and when new root growth is visible.

Cattleyas generally prefer a coarser medium, as their roots need good airflow. Avoid compact, moisture-retentive mediums like sphagnum moss, which can lead to rot. Ensure to use a pot with good drainage holes.