Cocktail Orchid Cattleya forbesii

Cocktail Orchid is an epiphytic orchid native to a narrow range of Brazil (Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina).  An epiphyte orchid grows in the branches of tall jungle trees where its fleshy rhizomes wrap around the branches for stability. The plant gets its nutrients from the air, water and decaying plant matter that collect around the rhizomes. The Cocktail Orchid has large fragrant flowers that have yellow-tan petals surrounding a central white tube with a yellow center. Cattleya orchids have been avidly and recklessly collected during the 1800's and they are now on the CITES Appendix II. All Cattleyas for sale should now be produced in greenhouses.

Growing in the branches of jungle trees and obtaining nutrients from the air make it a little tricky to grow Cocktail Orchids at home. However, Cattleya are among the easiest orchid species to grow. And it is all worth it when you produce your first spectacular, fragrant flower. Cocktail Orchids are typically grown in containers with potting soil of open rooting compost (for example, coarse redwood or fir bark, epiphytic orchid mix) for circulation of air and water. The plant needs partial shade and consistently moist soils and grow best in bright, indirect light; the leaves will be lime green in color when the light levels are optimal.  A south-facing window works well and most plants will need 5,000 fc (footcandles) of light intensity to flower consistently (full, direct sunlight is approximately 10,000 fc by comparison).  They tolerate temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees F and prefer high humidity levels.  Let the potting mix mostly dry out between waterings, but never let it fully dry, maintaining some amount of moisture at all times. 

The plant has three main parts – thick, fleshy rhizomes for support with a fleshy covering that acts as a water retention area, one or two leaves and pseudobulbs. The pseudobulbs, 1 to 3 inches thick, are food and water storage organs that also bear the flowers on single naked stems. Only divide if there will be least 4 or 5 pseudobulbs per division. Fertilize regularly after watering with a balanced fertilizer twice a month at half strength or weekly at quarter strength. Repot as needed (usually every two years) in spring or just before new roots sprout from the rhizome. Repotting is needed when the rhizome of the plant protrudes over the edge of the pot or when the potting medium breaks down and drains poorly.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

If kept outside, the plant may be attacked by slugs, snails, thrips, scale insects and mealy bugs. Search the plant periodically for spider mites. They can  be an indication of low humidity.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Cattleya.