Intro:
This distinct and lovely Cattleya has a very exquisite perfume. On every occasion we have met with the plants in flower, the perfume has attracted our immediate attention. The shape of schroderae has an extraordinary crispation of both petals and lip. The unique orange (mango) coloration of the lip also makes this a distinct species. Named in honor of Baroness Schroder the wife of one of the most distinguished orchidophiles of the Victorian age. This plant is easy to grow and flower.
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Light:
Medium to high from 2,500 t 3,500 footcandles being ideal for sunlight exposure. This plant will also perform well under fluorescent light or high pressure sodium lighting.
P.L. Lights systems are a great way to provide artificial light to your orchids. See our P.L. Lights page for more information on this great product we offer.
Temperature:
Intermediate to warm. Winter day temps should be 70 or above and night temps should be below 65 degrees Fahrenheit and closer to 58 to 62. Summer temps can be several degrees warmer.
Humidity:
This plant likes a relative humidity of 50 percent or higher during the growing season and will tolerate less during winter.
The use of humidity trays or room humidifiers is beneficial.
We offer two products that can help increase humidity levels. The humidity tray offered in black or white, and the Mist Maker.
Water:
This plant prefers rain, distilled or reverse osmosis water. Water as the potting mix just dries out. When in bud or flower keep slightly more moist at the roots.
Overwatering can cause several problems such as root rot and infectious bacteria/fungus in the potting medium. One product we offer that can help these problems if caught at an early stage is Phyton 27 bactericide and fungicide.
Fertilizer:
Use Green Jungle Orchid Food, especially formulated to work with rain, distilled, reverse osmosis water or water low in alkalinity. Fertilize with Green Jungle every time you water if plants are planted in bark. Be sure to flush the mix with clear water only once per month to prevent fertilizer salt build up. For plants in moss or mounted on slabs feed every third or 4th watering as the moss holds a lot of nutrients Or use
GrowMore 20-10-20 Ureafree for municipal or well water. Use at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon. If using GrowMore with rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, add back in 5 - 10% municipal or well water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize every other watering in the summer and every third watering in the winter.
Another fertilizer offered is: GrowMore 6-30-30 (Cymbidium and bloom boosting formula).
Flowering:
This plant can flower from Late February through April. The flower colors can vary from white to pale pink to rose, pure white as in the alba forms and there is even a coerulea form, The scent is really exquisite and the flower color is unusual with a mango colored lip. The flowers last about 3 weeks in perfection.
Repotting:
Repot after flowering when new growth begins to emerge at the base of the plant. This is when new root activity begins. Keep the plant dry at the roots for the first 10 days after repotting to allow any damaged roots to heal and seal off. This plant can also be divided once there are at least 3-4 bulbs or growths per division. Use a medium grade bark mix and either clay or plastic pots. Keep the oldest growths towards the edge of the pot allowing space for at least one to 2 years growth between the newest growth and the outer edge of the pot.
We offer several different types of potting medium. Here are direct links to what we believe to be some of the best potting mediums available for orchids: Orchids Limited bark mix, New Zealand sphagnum moss, coco husk, coco peat, sponge rock,charcoal, tree fern fiber, and cork slabs for epiphytic plants.
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